Drancak enjoying leadership role amid career-best scoring streak
By DANNY RODE
Samuel Drancak is one of the top defensive forwards on the Red Deer Rebels.
But the 19-year-old native of Strakonice, Czechia is showing he knows a thing or two about the other end of the ice as well.
Drancak has notched a goal in each of the last six games helping the Rebels put together a solid run which saw them accumulate eight of a possible 12 points. In fact, the Rebels have 13 points over their last 10 games, which includes only two regulation losses.
Drancak, who is in his third season with the Rebels, had a slight smile when asked about his hot streak.
“It’s something new for me,” he said. “But really, I think team first. I just want to pay the trust the coaches give me. I play with some awesome players. I have really good teammates around me.
“It’s nice I can help the team with goals, but the most important thing is the two points.”
The six-foot, 195-pound forward scored 12 goals in his rookie season with the Rebels and added 10 last year. He has eight so far this year and on pace for a 20-goal season.
He believes it comes with confidence.
“This year is a different one than the last two for me,” he continued. “The coaches trust me and I have lots of time on the ice and when you have the time you get more opportunities.
“It’s also about confidence. I’m older and I have lots of games here and feeling more confidence. I also spent lots of time back home training during the summer. I’m glad it pays off a little bit.”
As one of the veterans on the team Samuel provides leadership for the other two imports – Matej Mikes from Karlovy Vary, Czechia, and Matus Lisy from Bratislava, Slovakia.
While Drancak and Mikes didn’t know each other prior to Mikes arriving in Red Deer this month after rehabbing his knee injury, they bonded quickly.
“It’s a little different this year with three imports,” said Drancak. “With Matej and even Matus, who’s from Slovakia, it’s really cool, it’s easier for all three of us to speak a little Czech and we can help each other.”
Mikes indicated he looks up to Samuel.
“I’m not just a leader for Matej but the younger group here,” he said. “I’m feeling good for what all the coaches give me. The young guys trust me. It’s a good feeling.
“I just want to be good teammate and help them all.”
But if Mikes needs a helping hand, Drancak has the past knowledge to help any way he can.
“My first year here Frank (Formanek) helped me a lot and what he did for me I can help Matej. But he played in Finland last year and can speak English. Matej and Matus are both great guys and if they need anything I have the experience.”
Being a two-way player is something Drancak enjoys and understands to continue his hockey career following his time with the Rebels he needs to continue on that path.
“Everybody enjoys scoring goals. I don’t know what the next level will be. I don’t know if I’ll be a goal scorer but I want to be great on both sides.”
Samuel wants to continue his hockey career in North America, but first things first and that’s helping this year’s edition of the Rebels continue their stride toward a playoff berth.
“It’s been good, every game we feel better,” he said. “The teamwork and the bench life, it’s good. The important thing is taking two points and that’s a process where we want to better every game.”
The Rebels have upped their record to 7-10-1-2 and moved up to a tie for eighth in the Eastern Conference, one point back of the Regina Pats.
The Rebels play only once this weekend as they host the Saskatoon Blades Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium on Brandt Ag Appreciation Night.
At first look… these are the only 6-game goal streaks for @Rebelshockey in the internet era
BJ Young – Oct 1996 (6 games)
John Kachur – Feb/Mar 1998 (8)
Shawn McNeil – Jan 1999 (7)
Arshdeep Bains – Dec 2021 (7)
Arshdeep Bains – Mar/Apr 2022 (9!)
Samuel Drancak – current (6) https://t.co/lyi3WQOckO— TROY GILLARD 🇨🇦 (@Troy_Gillard) November 12, 2025
