MacSwain excited to continue hockey journey with Rebels

By DANNY RODE

Landon MacSwain knows exactly the road he wants to take in his hockey development.

The 18-year-old native of Anchorage, AK, believes that road goes through Red Deer with the Rebels.

“I really think I can develop here a couple of years,” he stressed. “I really want to get this experience. It’s a perfect place to get that and grow my skills and develop as a person in general … be a better person every day.

“There’s obviously the NCAA, but I wanted to see where I am here and see how much I can grow and get better here and then see where that takes me

“There are plenty of different routes and everyone has their own route but for me it’s exiting to be here.”

At six-foot-three, 200-pounds, MacSwain has the physical build to fit right in with the WHL squad to go with his overall skills.

“I have a big, physical body, and I like to sit in front of the net for tip-ins, screens and rebounds,” he said. “I also like to protect the puck in the corners and make good passes.”

Landon grew up in Alaska but saw his hockey career take a number of different routes. After playing his 14-year-old season with the Alaska Oilers, he moved to California for a season with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U AAA team.

“After my 14-year-old season I reached out to the coach with the Kings and he had a spot on that team,” he explained. “That was the first time I was out of the state, and it was tough at first, but I managed.

“I had a good year there and we won the National championship, which was a great experience.”

The following season he was once again on the road, joining the highly rated Chicago Mission program.

He played the 2023-24 season with their 16U AAA team and the following year with the 18U AAA squad.

“They have an amazing program and develop kids every year. They make sure kids are in the right spots and prepared for the next step”

It’s a lot of travelling for a youngster.

“It’s tough, but I’m strong and don’t get homesick,” he said. “It was a great experience travelling around the U.S. and going to different cities and playing the sport I love.”

It was with Chicago that MacSwain was discovered by the Rebels scouting staff.

“I was with the Mission at the Circle K tournament in Calgary when myself and Owen (Shadrick) were approached and they added us to their protected list. I worked hard all summer and decided to come to camp and it’s worked out.”

MacSwain scored a pair of power play goals for the Rebels during the preseason and has played both regular season contests so far.

He says the team is still in the learning stage.

“We have a really good group and have been bonding really well. That’s what helps us as a team and individually and helps us focus every day,” he said.

“Overall, it’s been really exciting. I think every game I’ve been working pretty hard and seem to be getting my feet under me and figuring out the structure and getting used to that.”

MacSwain is one of five Americans currently on the Rebels roster along with Shadrick from Velencia, CA. The other forwards are Zane Torre from Ladera Ranch, CA and Grayden Peterson from West Fargo, N.D. Nikolas Ferry from Los Angeles has been patrolling the blueline.

“I knew a couple of the guys from before, especially Owen,” said MacSwain. “It’s a good group and we’ve bonded well.”

MacSwain is getting used to is going to school in Canada, but he once again fits in as he takes his Grade 12 classes.

“It’s basically online, although we do go to Notre Dame for two hours and 15 minutes each morning before practice,” he said. “It’s good. We’re all in one room so that helps, and it’s been fun.”

Now that he’s fitting in MacSwain is hoping for one more step in a couple of years.

“My goal and one of my dreams is to play pro hockey.”

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The Rebels seek their first win of the season Saturday when they host the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 6 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Lethbridge is 1-1 on the season after an opening weekend split with the Calgary Hitmen.

The club will have its full roster available with their four players now back from pro camps. Goaltender Chase Wutzke returned after signing with the Minnesota Wild and Jaxon Fuder is back after inking a contract with the Dallas Stars.

Both Matthew Gard and Luke Vlooswyk are also back from camp with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Gard played in one preseason game, playing 11 minutes and 11 seconds in a 4-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday. He had one shot on goal and one hit.