Birnie brings smarts to the ice; Wutzke drawing pro attention
You could say Carson Birnie is a smart hockey player, a player who anticipates what’s happening next and performs well at both end of the ice.
You could also say Birnie is just plain smart.
The sophomore Red Deer Rebels winger was the WHL Central Division Scholastic Player of the Year in 2022-23 while completing his Grade 12 studies.
Of course, his first wish once his time in Red Deer is complete is to have a shot at playing the pro game, but in case that plan doesn’t pan out it’s clear that he’ll have plenty of options.
“I’ve definitely thought about it,” he said. “For sure I want to go to school and take something, but I haven’t really decided what.
“But I’m going to be taking some university courses as the season goes on.”
Birnie, in fact, is already working through one post-education course through the University of Saskatchewan.
Based on his high schools marks Birnie would almost certainly qualify for one of the more distinguished university programs if in fact he eventually steers himself in that direction.
“Maybe some sort of engineering or something along those lines,” he said. “That’s something I’m pretty interested in but I haven’t put too much thought into it.”
Birnie, who will celebrate his 19th birthday Feb. 22, has made some impressive on ice strides this season, often skating on a line with Ollie Josephson and Talon Brigley.
The Arcola, Sask, native, selected by the Rebels in the eighth round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, scored eight goals and collected 15 points in 56 games as a rookie, and is on pace to surpass those numbers this season with seven goals and 14 points in 34 outings, with two of those goals coming in Friday’s 5-3 win over the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers.
“I’m playing a bigger role now and it’s nice. I just need to take advantage of it, take advantage of every opportunity I get,” said the six-foot-one, 178-pound forward.
The Rebels have climbed up the Eastern Conference standings in recent weeks, a reflection of the team’s style of play, Birnie stated.
“I think we actually kind of found our identity and started to play the Red Deer game where we’re not passing up hits, we’re always finished our checks and just moving our feet, getting pucks deep and just playing our way.”
Wutzke catching eye of NHL scouts
The reigning WHL Goaltender of the Month could be playing his way into this year’s NHL Draft conversation.
Wutzke dominated last month with a 5-0-0-1 record, 1,61 goals-against average and .941 save percentage, and has taken full advantage of his starting stints in his first full season with the Rebels.
“It’s been awesome here, the coaching is good and everybody has been good, so that helps,” he said Thursday.
“It’s something I’ve looked forward to and it’s just a great achievement,” he added, in reference to his latest award.
Wutzke admitted he and his agent have been in contact with NHL teams.
“There’s been a couple here and there, won’t get too deep into that,” he said. “It’s just something to look forward to.
“It doesn’t really matter how many teams you’ve talked to, it’s about if you get your named called (during the NHL draft).”
Wutzke wasn’t included in the NHL Central Scouting preliminary rankings but his play this season would make him a good bet to be part of the mid-season rankings to be released this month.
Either way, the netminder with a 7-2-1-2 record, 2.50 GAA and .914 save percentage this season won’t let it affect his play.
“It’s kind of something you want but at the end of the day if it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen,” he said. “You can’t keep your eyes on social media.”
Notable: The Rebels continue their five-game homestand Wednesday versus the Spokane Chiefs, who visit Red Deer for the first time in 1405 days (March 6, 2020) . . . The Tri-City Americans visit Friday for their first game at the Peavey Mart Centrium in 1480 days (Feb. 22, 2020) . . . The WHL Trade Deadline is this Wednesday, January 10 at 3 p.m. MT.
