Josephson leading by example during difficult season
By DANNY RODE
As first year captain of the Red Deer Rebels it’s been a bit of a disappointing season for Ollie Josephson.
Not from his leadership standpoint, or his on-ice play, but from injuries and overall team success.
The Rebels go into their final two WHL regular season games this weekend – Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Centrium against the Calgary Hitmen and Sunday in Edmonton against the Oil Kings.
They won’t make the playoffs, which is the major disappointment, says Josephson, who missed 20 games this season.
“It’s definitely not the outcome we wanted,” said the 18-year-old native of Victoria, BC. “We wanted to make the playoffs and make a run … go as far as we could, but it didn’t happen. We had a string of injuries and while it’s not an excuse, unfortunately it happens.
“It’s hockey and we’ll just try to finish strong. To be positive and take that energy into next season.”
Ollie has enjoyed his initial season as captain.
“It’s been, exciting,” he said. “I don’t look at myself as the captain, but as one of the guys and just being part of trying to do whatever it takes every night.
“I try to lead by example on the ice or off the ice wherever it is … just try to do the right things.”
Josephson, who took over as captain this season from Kai Uchacz, has impressed head coach Dave Struch.
“He’s been good,” he was quick to point out. “There’s a lot to learn. He’s learned a lot and there’s still a lot to learn. His daily habits are really important, and he does that at an elite level.”
To be a strong leader any captain needs to have a strong voice in the dressing room.
“He’s done that and those are things he can take on the next step of his hockey career and his personal life,” continued Struch.
“It’s not easy being a captain at a young age and I think he’s gone through a lot. It’s not easy for him but I think there’s a lot he’s done as a good leader, and he can use for the next step on leading our team.”
Having to overcome a stretch on the injured list was just another learning experience for Josephson.
“It definitely wasn’t easy … definitely tough not being with the team,” he said. “But Lars (Jhett Larson) was also injured, and we worked out together which made it a lot easier. He’s a good guy and works hard and kept oiur spirits up.”
Josephson was a fourth-round pick by the Seattle Kraken in the 2024 NHL Draft and while they’ve kept in contact with him, he hasn’t signed yet.
“I’m not sure if we’re close to signing, but I’ll just keep working hard and taking it day-to-day,” he said.
“We’ve talked a little and mostly they’re happy with my development. We don’t talk a crazy amount but they say to keep working hard, develop my all-around game, use my speed and try to put up points.”
When healthy Josephson has had a respectable season with 14 goals and 21 assists in 46 games. He recorded his first career hat trick in a five-point game last week at Moose Haw and remains one of the premier face-off men in the league with a success rate over 57 percent.
“They do talk with me a bit on that and try to give me some tips,” he said.
After this weekend Ollie will head home, relax a bit then start ramping up for next season.
“Take a little time off to be with friends and family then get back to work.”
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As the Rebels had a tough season in the win column, Struch was grateful for the continued support of the fans.
“They’ve been great all year,” he said. “We went though a couple of tough stretches, but they continued to come out and support us, so we owe them a lot, no question about it.
“We owe the crest on the front of our jersey. We owe the city of Red Deer and we owe ourselves. Every individual in that room had to rise to the challenge to show what they were made of, which was difficult to do at times.
“When we look at the support our fans gave us in a disappointing season, and you take everything into account, it’s worth something to us as individuals and we try to put everything we have on the ice for our fans.”
NOTES – Saturday’s home finale vs. Calgary will see the Rebels hand out their annual player awards before the first period … Over 5,000 tickets are already sold for the game, which will feature a gameday 50/50 draw with a starting jackpot of $10,000 … Calgary and Medicine Hat are tied for first place in the Eastern Conference entering Saturday’s action. Medicine Hat plays Lethbridge before the Tigers and Hitmen battle Sunday in Calgary.
