Wutzke starring in crease and as mentor for Shore
By DANNY RODE
Chase Wutzke finds himself playing a different role of late.
After playing alongside veteran Rhett Stoesser for the majority of his WHL career, the 18-year-old netminder from Debden, SK, has taken over a mentorship role of 16-year-old Peyton Shore, who was called up when Stoesser was traded to the Kelowna Rockets.
Wutzke enjoys working with Shore.
“Peyton and I have the same relationship that Rhett and I had,” he said. “He’s been awesome. I try to get him into it and try to teach him some of the ropes, so it’s been good that way.
“You’re going to work with younger guys at sometime in your career and he’s been a great teammate.”
While acting as a mentor Chase can see exactly what Peyton brings to the table.
“He’s a great goalie, he wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t. He’s got a good shot at being a starter one day and will be great at it.”
Rebels goaltending coach Ian Gordon sees that as well.
“It just takes any goalie time to adapt, no matter if he’s 16 or 19.”
But while Shore is adapting, Wutzke is getting the majority of playing time. And he loves it.
“I’ve been in a groove and I’m feeling awesome. The body is still feeling good and I’m playing lots of games so that’s good. I like playing lots of game I think I feel better when I am playing back-to-back … so just keep going.”
Chase has played in 26 of the Rebels 31 games this season, playing 1448 minutes, which is third in the league. His 26 appearances are tied for first.
He is also facing more shots than last season. He’s faced 808 this year while facing 954 in 36 games last year.
But he doesn’t mind.
“I’d rather face a lot of shots as I stay in the game,” he said. “It’s better for me rather than facing less. A lot of shots is good for my improvement.”
Wutzke’s goals-against-average is up over last season – 3.11 compared to 2.82 – but his save percentage is better – .907 compared to .904.
He’s been consistently one of the Rebels stars of the game. He’s square to the puck with an excellent glove hand and his positioning allows him to make a number of spectacular leg saves.
“I try to see the puck as best as I can and be in position to see the puck through traffic. I think I’ve really improved over last year. It’s been a solid year so far and I’m holding it together.”
Gordon likes what he sees from his veteran netminder.
“You take the short-term mentality and focus on what’s right in front of you, that serves anybody best,” he said. “He plays his part on the team, focuses on the game right in front of him, not on what’s down the road.”
Gordon also sees first-hand how Wutzke mentors Shore.
“He’s a good example for him. Chase was a high pick, but nothing was given to him. Early on he was put into some tough circumstances when he was 15, even 16, when called up. But he embraced all the challenges he had to face in the Western League and has done it was really good attitude.”
Wutzke will likely be in net Tuesday when the Rebels finish off the pre-Christmas portion of their season against the Swift Current Broncos at 7 p.m. at the Peavey Mart Centrium.
The Rebels will be looking for a bit of revenge after losing 3-0 in Swift Current Dec. 7.
“They’re a good team but obviously we feel we’re better, but it will be a good game,” said Wutzke.
The Rebels will then take a 10-day break before returning Dec. 27 at home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Wutzke is looking forward to some time off.
“It’s good to go back home and see family and my friends and have some fun,” he said. “Have a good Christmas break and return and have a good second half of the year.”
But even while enjoying his time away he’ll stay prepared for a busy second half.
“I make sure my body stays in shape and for me as a goalie keep my hips and groin loose.”
Wutzke may also spend a little time talking with the Minnesota Wild staff.
He’s a fifth-round draft pick this year by the Wild and has been in constant contact with them.
“We talk every week,” he said. “I talk with their goalie coach, he’s awesome to deal with.”
The Rebels will enjoy an extended home stand after Christmas, playing five of six games at home. Their only road game coming Dec. 29 in Edmonton.
They also host Lethbridge Dec. 30, Calgary Jan. 3, Regina Jan. 4, and Saskatoon Jan. 7.
