Bawa’s first WHL goal a result of his aggressive style of play
A player’s first Western Hockey League goal is a thrilling and unforgettable occurrence.
Just ask Arjun Bawa.
“That was an unreal feeling, definitely very exciting,” the Red Deer Rebels rookie said Tuesday, reflecting back on his initial WHL goal in Saturday’s 6-1 win over the visiting Prince Albert Raiders.
“All the boys were really happy for me too so it was a good experience.”
Bawa tallied after skating into the edge of the crease and redirecting a shot by teammate Jace Weir.
The 17-year-old Richmond, B.C., native offered a more detailed description of the play.
“I was on the forecheck and fell on the puck. Then (Kai) Uchacz picked it up and passed it to Jace. I kind of rolled off my check and went to the net. I showed my backhand and Jace just hit my backhand and I deflected it in.”
Arjun Bawa's first in the WHL makes it a 4-0 game! pic.twitter.com/d9aPvUIhO6
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) November 27, 2022
The six-foot-two, 178-pound forward, a second-round selection — 36th overall — in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft out of St. George’s School in Vancouver, hasn’t looked out of place at all in his first major junior season.
“It’s been a good start. I feel that I’ve adjusted to this level of hockey pretty well and I’m just looking forward to keeping it going,” said Bawa, whose dad Robin played five years in the WHL and went on to a lengthy pro career that included 61 NHL games.
Bawa attended his first Rebels training camp in September of 2021 and was reassigned to the Cowichan Capitals of the BCHL a month later. He scored four goals and added a like amount of assists in 46 games with the junior A club and said the experience was invaluable.
“Playing junior A last year was probably better than playing minor hockey again,” said Bawa. “I got used to playing with 20-year-olds, there are six on each team in the BCHL. Playing with older guys who are a lot stronger got me better adjusted and prepared for this league.”
His size has played a factor in his ability to play his preferred style.
“I think my style of play is like a power forward,” said Bawa, who has appeared in 24 games this season and has an assist to go with his goal, along with 36 minutes in penalties.
“I like to drive pucks to the net, protect pucks in the corners . . . definitely hit guys on the forecheck, taking the body.”
Rebels assistant coach Ryan Colville has been impressed with Bawa’s progression in his first WHL campaign.
“He’s a good skater and obviously his size is a big asset,” said Colville. “Being a first-year player he seems to be getting more and more comfortable every game.
“Over the last week he’s really taken it to another level. He’s looked a lot more comfortable. He’s played a bit of wing, a bit of centre for us so he’s versatile that way too.
“It was awesome to see him score his first goal. The guys were excited for him. That’s how he’s going to score most of his goals — just go to the net and get a stick on it.”
The Rebels have won two straight after going through a stretch of adversity. Bawa said the team that bolted out of the starting gate and established a franchise and modern-day WHL record with 16 straight wins, is closer to the edition that then lost seven of eight contests, albeit picking up a single point in three of those setbacks.
“For sure this team is really good. We have to potential to win it all I think,” he insisted. “It’s just up to us and how we perform.”
Notable: Kai Uchacz has recorded six points in the last four games with a goal and five assists, while Kalan Lind has garnered five points — two goals, three helpers — in the last two outings. Meanwhile, Hunter Mayo is tied for first among WHL defenceman with 10 goals, including seven on the power play. He had two goals in Sunday’s 3-2 triumph at Calgary, including the overtime winner . . . Prior to last Friday’s 4-2 loss to the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings, rookie forward Carson Birnie was honoured as the Rebels Telus Scholastic Player of the Month for October . . . The Rebels return to action with home games this Friday and Saturday at the Peavey Mart Centrium versus the Saskatoon Blades and Moose Jaw Warriors.
