MacDougall bringing new energy to Rebels
By DANNY RODE
Parker MacDougall made an instant impression on his Red Deer Rebels teammates.
In his first game with the team and in the WHL, the 17 year-old from Victoria, B.C., dropped the gloves for his first ever fight.
The five-foot-11, 175-pounder gave up some size to the Saskatoon Blades six-foot-two, 190-pound defenceman, Jordan Martin, but he certainly didn’t embarrass himself.
“I really didn’t know what I was doing,” he said with a laugh. “But I just wanted to get into it.”
He knew Martin, who was from Abbotsford, B.C., from playing together with Team B.C.
“He’s a buddy of mine, so we did a have a laugh after,” he said.
“I know the guys loved it … the older guys have treated me great, so I’m excited about keeping it going.”
Rebels head coach Dave Struch said the jolt of energy was definitely felt.
“When he stepped up like that, it adds some grit to his game and overall he’s been a good surprise for us and at the end ot it with all the new guys here I think it’s important.”
MacDougall is one of seven new faces in the Rebels lineup in the last couple weeks.
“There has been a lot of new additions, but the boys are gelling, and I know I’ve already really enjoyed my time here and looking forward to the road trip coming up.”
The Rebels leave Tuesday for a three-games-in-four-days road trip in Saskatchewan, beginning Wednesday in Regina.
MacDougall has played three games with the Rebels since being acquired in a three-player trade with the Calgary Hitmen. He came to Red Deer along with 16-year-old prospect Ethan Dundas and a draft pick for veteran Carson Bernie.
Parker has yet to hit the scoresheet with the Rebels but has shown flashes of his ability to do so.
“I’m hoping it comes soon,” he said. “I thought I had one (versus Prince Albert). I’ve been close a few times, hopefully it comes on the road trip.
“I’ve always had a little scoring touch in front of the net and can use my speed to create some points.”
Struch believes MacDougall will give the team some needed scoring.
“The last couple of games he’s led our team in shot attempts which is huge,” he said. “We’ve asked him to be a little big selfish in regards to that, to get inside the top of the circles.
“We’re having a tough time creating offence and we need guys to shoot the puck.”
On the other side MacDougall still has some work to do.
“His play without the puck, he still needs to be better, but he’s engaged on the bench and with some practice time he’ll become accustomed to how we play without the puck.”
MacDougall was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft by the Hitmen, but outside of a pair of exhibition games he didn’t dress for the Calgary squad.
“I had high hopes to make Calgary this year, I thought it was going to work out, but everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to be here,” he said.
“I had a good Circle K (U18 AAA) Tournament (in Calgary), Red Deer saw me and traded for me, so I was glad for that.”
MacDougall was having an exceptional season with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds U18 squad this year with 17 goals and 42 points in just 19 games.
He joined the T’Birds this season after two years with the Pacific Coast Academy.
“I knew the coach from Team B.C. and he offered me a spot and I thought it would be a good experience.”
The fact the Rebels have so many new faces in the lineup has made it tough to find good chemistry.
“We have a good practice before we leave and the guys are talking a lot and getting used to each other,” said Parker. “Once the chemistry begins we’ll be a lot better.”
And he’s been working on it.
“It’s a big step up from U18. The speed and the guys are older, bigger and stronger,” he said. “I just need to be more deceptive and run better routes and support my teammates better … just communicate a little more on the ice.”
The Rebels had a team building session before practice Monday to help bring the new-look squad together.
“We’ll work today (Monday) on communicating and go through some stuff together,” said Struch. “It will be important for the guys to engage and support each other.”
ICE CHIPS – The Rebels made a move Monday in adding forward Brett Calhoon, who was released by the Kelowna Rockets … Calhoon, who turned 19 last Friday, had four goals and six assists in 33 games this season … The native of Kamloops was selected in the ninth round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft by the Medicine Hat Tigers … Overall the six-foot-one, 180-pound Calhoon has 22 points in 97 career games … The Rebels returned forward Noah Milford to the Calgary IHA after he made his WHL debut against Prince Albert …The Rebels play in Saskatoon Friday and Prince Albert Saturday … They also play in Lethbridge on Jan. 24 before returning home against Moose Jaw on Jan. 25 … They then head out east for four more road games … Beginning Feb. 7 they start a home stand which sees them play 11 of 12 games at the Peavey Mart Centrium.