Ben King (left) leads all Rebels players with 8 points this season (Photo: Red Deer Rebels/Rob Wallator)

By Troy Gillard and Dwayne McLaughlin

taking the lead

It’s good to be King for Rebels points leader

Mar 18, 2021 | 2:19 PM

Ben King is starting to be rewarded for his hard work at both ends of the rink for the Red Deer Rebels.

The 18-year-old Vernon, B.C. native collected two goals and three assists last weekend in three games versus the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He now leads all Rebels players with eight points (3 goals, 5 assists) in seven games this season.

“I think my game has come along way since last year just putting in the work in the summer and my compete level and just playing hard every night has gone up. I really focused on that, and I think influences me and makes me a better player, and it shows,” King said when asked about improvements in his game.

King shares credit for his success with the coaching staff believing in him and giving him opportunities.

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“Brent (Sutter) puts me in a lot of situations, powerplay and the penalty kill last minute of the game and just take that on myself to do good in those situations, block shot in the PK or getting chance getting goals on the powerplay and play a role guy in those last minutes, and I think I been really good lately.”

As Red Deer prepares for this weekend’s triple header with the first place Edmonton Oil Kings, the Rebels know they have quite a challenge awaiting them.

“It’s going to be a good test for us. Edmonton is 4-0 so far. Medicine Hat played them in some tight games a could of weeks ago, so this is a good measuring stick to see where we are truly at,” said Assistant Coach Ryan Colville.

With captain Jayden Grubbe going down with a season-ending knee injury, the Rebels will need King and others to step up in his absence.

“Everyone around here is upset Grubbe won’t be able to finish up the season. We are hoping he gets a speedy recovery. I’m sure he will dive right into rehab and get himself ready for next season,” Colville suggested.

“It opens up opportunities for other guys this year to kind of step up playing different situations Grubbe was a big present for us on center ice. Their more chance for other guys to be on the ice in big faceoff situations, other guys getting chance on the powerplay, penalty kill.”

“That’s terrible news and a huge missing piece. He was a huge player (for us) and great leader, and he really impacted games.” King said of Grubbe’s injury.

The Rebels open their weekend series versus the Oil Kings Friday in Edmonton. They’ll play Saturday at the Westerner Park Centrium before playing again in Edmonton on Sunday. All three games start at 6 p.m. and can be heard on 106.7 REWIND Radio.