Hamilton has all the tools to lead Rebels as captain
By DANNY RODE – It only seemed right that Beckett Hamilton would be named the next Red Deer Rebels captain.
After all the 18-year-old native of Saskatoon has all the ingredients needed to be the 30th captain in team history, taking over the reins from Talon Brigley.
“He’s an outstanding kid and a very good hockey player,” said Rebels owner/president/General Manager Brent Sutter. “He’s thrilled to come back next year, and we’re thrilled to have him as our captain.”
“I’m fully focused on coming to Red Deer next year and hopefully make a huge push in the playoffs and see what we can do,” said the high scoring forward on exit interview day.
Outside of his offensive capabilities he consistently plays the game at a high level and is one of the off-ice leaders on a team that had only three 20-year-olds and no 19-year-olds.
“We switched our team quite a bit this year and props to everyone in that room,” said Hamilton, who turned 18 on March 28.
“We have a young team, an inexperienced team, and it wasn’t easy for a group of 17-year-olds to basically push their way into the playoffs. But we found a way. It wasn’t the end we wanted but we learned a lot … everyone in there learned a lot about themselves and about the team. That’s a positive for us going forward.”
The Rebels roster finished the season with 11 players born in 2008 and classified as 17-year-olds. They have seven players born in 2007, or playing as 18-year-olds, along with Grayden Peterson still 16.
“We have an unbelievable future,” added Hamilton. “We’re a young team with good chemistry and a good room. I only see this group going up with us building together. I think there will be a huge off season for everyone and I’m excited to see what we can do when we come back.”
The Rebels need his offence and his leadership.
In only his second season with the club he led the team with 62 points in 67 games on 24 goals and 38 assists. He also tied for team lead in scoring in the playoffs with two goals and three assists in five games, equalling those totals put up by Kalder Varga.
Hamilton realizes he’s expected to be a leader.
“It was different coming back this year after my 16-year-old season and taking some leadership. I think I learned a lot and it developed me a lot as a player and it only helped me.”
He showed his growth as a player as the season wore on. He was especially solid the second half.
“I think the team helped me a lot. The guys in that room helped me a lot. The experience playing in this league for a longer time you learn more about yourself, you get more confidence. One thing goes right and you get on a roll. I give credit to everyone in there and the coaches really helped me.
“There was a stretch where I wasn’t doing well but everyone in that room helped me and I got back on track. Full credit to those guys.”
Hamilton was on a streak for sure to close out the season as he scored in nine of the final 10 games, accumulating 14 points.
He helped the Rebels get into the playoffs where they drew the top-seeded Prince Albert Raiders in the best-of-seven first round, losing out in the fifth game in overtime.
“The playoffs were a grind of a series, but we battled through to win that fourth game,” said Hamilton. “We just couldn’t get it back here (in the fifth game), but we battled and did what we could with the young team we had.”
Hamilton can now look forward to the NHL Draft, going in ranked 75th amongst North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
“I haven’t thought much about it,” he said. “It’s been a tough couple of days here just saying goodbye to everyone. It’s in the back of my mind a little bit but I’m trying not to worry about it much.”
One of the players Hamilton will miss more than others is Brigley.
“He’s unbelievable,” he stressed. “Last year when I came in, he was one of those guys I followed and he led me. He was an unbelievable teammate.
“He led in all aspects, on the ice, off the ice, in the gym. He’s a smart guy. You look at his compete level, all he wants to do is win. He has a winning mindset, and he showed the group how to lead, full respect to him.
“He’s a great guy, will be a great player in the future (at Scared Heart University) and I have nothing but respect for him and the best is ahead of him.”
That’s also the case for the Rebels new captain.
