(Red Deer Rebels)

By Ian Gustafson

Joins after injury recovery

Czechia’s Matej Mikes happy to be suiting up for Rebels

Nov 17, 2025 | 5:17 PM

Red Deer Rebels’ newest addition to the lineup, Matej Mikes, who, despite not recording a point in his first two games in the WHL, has settled in with his new team.

The 18-year-old forward from Karlovy Vary, Czechia, got into his first game action last week after joining the club earlier this month.

Typically, when it comes to import players, it takes some time before they feel comfortable in a new country.

But last week, while talking with local media, Mikes gave an answer one can only assume the Rebels were hoping for, which was that it felt like home.

He said his short time here so far has been amazing.

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“I get along with all the boys, and they’re just amazing. The rink is really nice, so everything feels like back home,” he said.

His move to Red Deer marks the first time he’s stepped on Canadian soil, and he’s looking forward to the new experience. Mikes played U20 hockey last season in Finland and suited up for Czechia at the World U18 Hockey Championship.

“It’s a new experience, but everything’s went good so far and I’m just happy to be here,” Mikes added. “[The game] here is kind of different. It’s a little bit faster, but I like the system of the game.”

Standing at six feet three inches tall and approximately 213 pounds, the European joined the Rebels after he recovered from an offseason knee injury. He tore his meniscus in the summer, which required surgery, but said he’s back to 100 per cent.

He suited up for two games last week, where he recorded one shot on goal. However, he said Rebels fans can expect to see him play a power forward role. He said he plays a physical style of game but can also be a playmaker.

“The whole summer, the whole time I had the injury, I was just excited for this moment, and I think I did pretty well,” he said.

(Red Deer Rebels)

Mikes added that he looks up to his teammate and fellow Czech forward Samuel Drancak.

Drancak is in his third season in Red Deer after he was selected in the first round, 54th overall, in the 2023 CHL Import Draft.

Since then, he has worked his way up to someone they can count on.

Drancak explained that even though they didn’t know each other before this, it’s really cool to have someone here from his home country.

“I think it’s easier for all three of us [including Slovakian defenceman Matus Lisy]. We can speak a little bit of Czech together,” he said.

“In my first year, I had Frantisek Formanek, and he helped me a lot, so I just want to keep doing what he did for me.”

Drancak has taken more of a leadership role this season with a team full of young players. So far, he’s led the way with 16 points in 21 games.

On Saturday at the Centrium, Drancak also extended his goal streak to seven straight games. Only a handful of past Rebels players have been able to accomplish that feat.

“It’s something new for me,” Drancak said with a smile. “I just want to repay the trust that the coaches gave me. I mean, I play with awesome players. I’ve got really good teammates around me, and it’s nice that I can help the team with my goals, but the most important thing is the two points, right?”

The Rebels have just one game on the schedule this week, taking on the defending champion Medicine Hat Tigers this Friday at the Centrium at 7 p.m.