Brigley’s leadership key on young Rebels squad
By DANNY RODE
Talon Brigley needed to take on a bit more of a leadership role this season with the Red Deer Rebels.
The Sylvan Lake native, who turned 20 last month, and rookie defenceman Luke Vlooswyk are the only two players to dress in all 61 games the Rebels have played.
That along with the fact the Rebels became younger this season with a number of additions at the trade deadline, added to Brigley’s leadership.
“Once we made a bunch of trades, I’ve taken on a bit more of a leadership role,” said the five-foot-11, 170-pound winger, who has one season remaining with the WHL club. “I think a lot of guys have stepped up that way, it’s good to see.”
Brigley is one of several strong two-way forwards on the Rebels, who have struggled to score this season.
At times they have broken out, but are second last in the league in goals with 156, two more than the Regina Pats.
“We’ve struggled throughout the year with our offence, so it was nice for everyone to break through with that,” she said referring to a two-game outburst last week that saw the Rebels turn on the red light 14 times.
Brigley, himself, has nine goals this season, below his career high of 20 he had last season. However, he does have 18 assists, above the 14 of last year.
“Maybe I have more pass-first mentality,” he said. “I’d like to see more goals obviously, but to see the other guys bury the puck more is nice to see as well.”
“Talon was off to a slow start this year, he would agree he underachieved in the first half,” said Rebels head coach Dave Struch. “There’s no particular reason things just weren’t going in for him.
“But he continues to work. He’s been put into a number of situations and he’s very reliable for us and helping on both sides of the puck. And he’s obviously a big leader in the room.”
Brigley understands what it takes to play on the defensive side and what is needed for the team to add offensively.
“We just have to keep things simple, trying to get pucks to the net. It’s something we’ve talked about, being more simple moving the pucks, getting the pucks to do the work and try to get to the net.”
It’s something the Rebels will continue to work on, although they have only seven games remaining on their schedule and would need a miracle to make the playoffs. A regulation or overtime loss Tuesday at Moose Jaw (7 p.m. MT on 106.7 REWIND Radio and WHL Live) would officially eliminate them from postseason contention.
The Rebels also play on the road Wednesday in Swift Current. They return home Friday against Prince Albert in one of only two games remaining on their home schedule, and visit Medicine Hat this Saturday.
ICE CHIPS – Brigley’s brother Reece is a member of the RDP Kings curling team that finished second in the ACAC championships and third at the CCAA championships. “Good for him, it sucks he didn’t win gold, but he’s been working hard for that,” said Talon … The Rebels still have a race to see the team leader in goals this season with Matthew Gard with 16 and rookie Beckett Hamilton with 14. Ty Coupland has 15, but nine came with Swift Current … The pair of Derek Thurston and Vlooswyk have been solid on the blueline with Thurston leading the team with a plus 11 and Vlooswyk at plus eight.
