Rebels defenceman Ethan Sakowich is trading in his 'A' for the 'C' (Photo: Rob Wallator)

By Dan Hermanutz

4th year player gets the 'C'

Sakowich excited to be new Rebels captain

Jan 15, 2020 | 5:40 PM

The Red Deer Rebels have named defenceman Ethan Sakowich as the 22^nd captain in franchise history.

This comes following last week’s trade that sent former captain, Dawson Barteaux to the Winnipeg ICE.

Sakowich, 20, is in his fourth season with the Rebels and is currently having his best year offensively with 21 points in 41 games.

“I was really excited. It something I dreamed about, being a part of this team since I was 16, and I’m just really happy to finish my career here wearing the ‘C,’”said Sakowich on Wednesday.

“Not the best circumstances. Obviously we all miss Barts but we’re happy he’s getting that opportunity.”

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Assistant Coach Brad Flynn said that for the last two years Sakowich has been a leader on the team, with a letter on his jersey or not.

“I think Ethan is just a classic throwback, not only defenseman, but person. His leadership is unquestionable. His values, he’s a good person and a hard worker. He’s what our culture is all about. He’s come up in the culture, he is the culture and he’s passing the culture onto the young guys and Brent’s (Sutter) said from the beginning of the year, it’s about the guys that are here.”

Sakowich says he’s been lucky to learn from past captains of his over the years with the Rebels.

“I had Musil, Pawlenchuk, Johnny (Reese Johnson) and Barts. Those were some really good captains, and they all brought something different. So I to bring a little bit of everything but having this role I’m not changing myself or anything, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing.”

When talking about the season he’s having, Sakowich said that he feels like he’s getting more opportunities on the ice.

“In the years past I haven’t played any power play. I just think when I’ve got that opportunity this year I’ve ran with it, and I think just a little bit of puck luck. Last year or the years before, I’ve been hitting lots of posts, crossbars and goalie pads, this year they just seem to be going in for me, which is definitely really nice.”

Sakowich will make his debut as captain Friday in Lethbridge as the Rebels take on the Hurricanes. You can listen to the game live on 106.7 The Drive at 7 p.m.