North to Alaska: Larson excited for NCAA journey
By DANNY RODE
Jhett Larson’s life has changed over the last couple of weeks.
The 20-year-old native of Delisle, SK., has become the first member of the Red Deer Rebels to commit to the NCAA, joining the University of Alaska – Fairbanks starting next season.
“From what I understand they’ve been watching the Western League quite a bit this season and they’ve come to a lot of our games,” explained Larson, a fifth-year winger with the Rebels. “They contacted me, and we talked for a few weeks and I made a decision to go there. They sold me on it.”
Larson feels it’s a great opportunity in more ways than one.
“It’s an opportunity to experience both sides of it, college life and junior life. It’s just good to get a second opportunity to get looked at.”
Red Deer Rebels owner, president and GM Brent Sutter is glad for Larson.
“The NCAA isn’t an easy league to play in and not all the players are ready to play at that level. But it’s another path and opportunity for the 20-year-old players and kids going into their 20-year-old season to look at and I’m glad it worked out for Jhett.”
While Larson is looking at taking his next step in his life, several other players from the junior league are looking at the WHL and CHL.
“It’s a new world we’re living in now,” said Sutter. “Things changed here in the last month with the new NCAA rules.
“From what I can see there’s about 10 players who have come to our league from junior A and some from the leagues in the U.S. and there will probably be more in the summer. Who knows how it will shake out.
“They have to adapt and adjust and hopefully there’s honesty and loyalty with relationships between the NCAA and CHL. That to me is most important. You don’t want things happening through the back door. You want things up front and at the end of the day it’s giving kids another opportunity and another path to go on.”
Larson hopes that path will eventually take him to a pro career.
“Right now, I’m focusing on our season here in Red Deer. I’ve been here five years, and I want to go as far as we can. But that’s another step on my path to maybe a pro career and of course guaranteed education which is another selling point.”
One thing about playing in Fairbanks, it means a lot of plane rides.
“They’re not in a conference so there will be a lot of travelling, I’m guessing,” added Larson.
As for this season it’s had its ups and downs for the five-foot-eight, 170-pound veteran.
“Some games have been tougher than others,” he said. “I think I have been consistent in the little things I do, but offensive-wise I’m not too happy.”
He’s managed four goals and seven assists in 24 games. His latest set back was a broken right arm suffered against Prince George. He’s not sure how long it will sideline him.
The Rebels season has also had it’s ups and downs as they sit with a 14-12-1-2 record. But they remain right in the thick of the battle in an ultracompetitive WHL Eastern Conference.
“I think we’re starting to figure it out,” said Larson. “Everyone is more consistent.”
Because of the injuries the Rebels have had as many as nine rookies in the lineup at one time.
“The young kids are getting a chance to know what it means to compete and try to win every game … how important it is to get those two points every night,” he said. “It’s also good for them to know how much we rely on them and that they’re doing good.”
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The Rebels hope to have several of their veterans back in the lineup this weekend with blue liners Hutner Mayo and Matteo Fabrizi, and forwards Carson Birnie and Ollie Josephson all listed as ‘day-to-day’ on Tuesday’s injury report. Larson and Kasper Pikkarainen are out long-term.
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Sutter announced a trade Tuesday with Prince Albert acquiring 18-year-old forward Cole Peardon for forward Evan Smith, 18.
The six-foot-one, 177-pound Peardon was selected 13th overall by the Raiders in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft while Smith was selected 95th overall, also in 2021.
Peardon, a native of Outlook, SK, has one goal and two assists in 16 games this season while Smith has a goal and four helpers in 28 games.
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The Rebels are hosting their annual Toque and Teddy Bear Toss this Saturday, December 14 when they host the Kamloops Blazers. Game time is 7 p.m.
Next Tuesday, December 17, Central Alberta Co-op is collecting food bank donations while Cosmos is doing charity bottle drive. Game time that night versus Swift Current is 7 p.m.
