Larson, Weir, Dowhaniuk reflect on WHL careers
By DANNY RODE
It’s always the toughest time of the year for three members of the Red Deer Rebels.
This season Jace Weir, Jhett Larson and Keaton Dowhaniuk said goodbye to their days with the Rebels and the WHL.
All three had similar feelings as they did their final media commitments.
“It’s a sad day for sure coming to an end after spending five years here,” said Weir. “But as I’ve said before it’s cool to look back at all the memories and the best times I’ve had.”
Larson, alongside Weir, spent his entire five-year career with the central Alberta squad.
“It’s been a ride, but it’s not set in yet.” said the native of Delisle, SK “I’m just trying to soak it in. I’ve had so many great teammates, great captains, leaders, coaches, staff and Brent (Sutter) taking care of us.”
Dowhaniuk was a newcomer to the Rebels at this year’s trade deadline after spending the majority of his career with the Prince George Cougars.
“I don’t think it’s hit me yet,” he said. “It was a good career in the Western League and I’m content with it. I wish we could have made the playoffs this year but it’s just the way it is. All-in-all I’m happy.”
Dowhaniuk, who was traded from Prince George to Moose Jaw, then onto Red Deer, was pleased to end his career with the Rebels.
“A good time. It was nice to finish my career close to home (Sherwood Park) and see my family a lot. That was a big positive for me.”
All three indicated their WHL careers seemed to fly by.
“It feels like yesterday,” added Dowhaniuk. “When I came into the league the older guys were telling me to enjoy it. Now I’m one of the older guys and telling the younger guys to enjoy it as it flies by and you never know how quick until it’s over.”
Weir, a native of Coldstream, B.C., agrees.
“It was funny when I was 16 the older guys told me how fast it goes. It was crazy, slow at the start and it flies by.”
“It feels like yesterday,” said Larson. “I remember getting here then we’re in our last game. It feels so short.”
“I don’t think you know until it’s done for sure. It’s so special. That last game here and the fans were so supportive. That three star lap (by the 20-year-olds) was so special.”
All three also began their WHL careers during the 2020-21 season shortened by COVID.
“It seems like yesterday and forever ago at the same time,” said Dowhaniuk. “That was an experience … through the whole league.”
The Rebels spent the season cooped up in the Centrium, living and sleeping in the private suites, eating and taking their schooling in the media lounge and of course playing in front of an empty arena.
“Some of the best memories I had were in this media lounge in the bubble and hanging out with the guys,” said Weir. “Covid feels like forever ago but at the same time every game I look up at the suite I stayed in, and it feels like yesterday.
“It’s funny, yet I feel fortunate to be part of that. It’s something I’ll never do again, at least I hope not. It seems like yesterday, yet it was five years ago.”
Larson agrees it was something he’ll never forget.
Weir will leave with one special memory, being name the Humanitarian for the Year.
“That was something I was not expecting,” he said. “I’m so grateful. I honestly believe the upbringing I had, and I came here I learned from Blake Gustafson and Joel Sexsmith then Kai Uchacz, you couldn’t meet a better guy.
“We have a culture here. It’s easy to be a good person and do good things and give back because the fans do so much for us.”
Weir, with is teammates, spent a lot of time reading to kids in school at Anne L. Gaetz.
“It’s a little thing and I think it goes a long way,” he said. “The kids look up to us and we respect that and that’s what we’re taught. Everyone in this organization, from the top down, is a good person and it’s easy to do good things for people and put yourself into it.”
Weir added he learned so much over his time with the WHL squad.
“Red Deer has taught me a lot. Just how good you have to be. The little details are so key.
“Everyone really cares about you and give you all the tools needed to develop. It’s crazy on and off the ice I’m a totally different person from the time I arrived here and it’s all about what I learned here.
“As I said working hard is a skill that will help you in hockey and in life in general.”
Larson looks at his time with the Rebels with a similar mindset.
“They showed me how much work ethic improved your game and life. When I was drafted (in the eighth round) I was a late bloomer. I was taught that heart and compete separates you. It was something I worked on ever since I’ve been here.”
Both Larson and Dowhaniuk will join the University of Alaska, Fairbanks next season while Weir is looking at going the college route as well.
“It’s been a good journey here and I’m excited about the next chapter,” said Dowhaniuk.
“It will be different, a new opportunity,” added Larson. “I’ll get to live the best of two worlds in junior hockey and then play college.
“It’s cool to go with Dow, someone I know.”
He believes he should fit in.
“It’s a fast game and I should fit in with my speed. Still, I’ll be battling against 24, 25-year-old guys so that will be something to get used to.”
Weir, who played 279 regular season games with the Rebels – second most by a defenceman in team history, indicated he’s been contacted by both NCAA and U Sport teams.
“I’m keeping my options open for what is the best situation. I know I will find myself in the classroom next year.”
Rebels head coach Dave Struch indicated he was happy to have worked with all three graduation veterans.
“Weir and Larson have been here since Day 1 (of their careers) and have had an impact on the organization. They were great to have in the room. Great people.
“Dowhaniuk has been here a short time and looking at his experience in the league you can’t dismiss the value you get from that.
“I played in the league and coached for 19 years and it’s important to have people like that in the room.”
