Rebels netminding future ‘in good hands’ with Shore
By DANNY RODE
Peyton Shore showed enough in the preseason with the Red Deer Rebels to warrant more of a look.
Whether it was this season or next was up in the air.
It turned out to be this season.
The 16-year-old netminder from Winnipeg was called up last week from the Virden Oil Capitals of the MJHL when the Rebels traded Rhett Stoesser to the Kelowna Rockets.
“I didn’t really think much about getting called up, I was focusing on where I was and trying to do my best,” he said. “But now that I’m here I’m super excited.”
Although he didn’t win in his two starts with the Rebels in the preseason, Shore was spectacular in posting a 1.65 goals-against-average and a .956 save percentage, stopping 65 of 68 shots.
However, with Chase Wutzke and Stoesser on the roster the Rebels felt it was best he was sent to the Manitoba Junior League to further his game.
He did just that with a 4-2 record in seven starts with a 2.13 GAA and .920 save percentage.
“Virden was nice to get some game experience at the junior level to work my way back up,” said Shore. “So it was good.”
Rebels head coach Dave Struch feels comfortable with the six-foot-one, 175-pound youngster as Wutzke’s backup.
“We’re excited to have him after all he did prior through training camp,” said Struch.
“Our future is in good hands when you have guys like him. We look forward to his development.”
Struch wasn’t sure when Shore may see game action. It could come his weekend as the Rebels host the Prince George Cougars Friday at 7 p.m. at the Peavey Mart Centrium and the Brandon Wheat Kings Saturday at 7 p.m.
“We’ll see how his timing and everything is … that’s important right now,” said Struch.
Although he saw preseason action, Shore admits everything has picked up now that they’re in the midst of the regular season.
“The speed and structure, everything is faster,” he said. “I have to be quicker laterally, to make sure I’m set and facing every shot. Still, it’s fun and a good challenge and I’m happy to experience it.”
He knows sooner or later he’ll get his first real game action, but until then he’s not worried about it.
“My time will come. I just have to be patient and show what I can do in practice. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Until then he’ll work with and watch Wutzke.
“It’s fun to watch him. He’s a great goalie and I want him to have success. I’ll encourage him as much as I can and take notes on what he’s doing and go from there.
“I’m still young, just 16, so it’s great to experience this and just get going.”
Shore also knows all about Rebels goaltending coach Ian Gordon.
“He’s been great, helps me a lot.”
After this weekend the Rebels head out on the road again with a four-game trip through the Eastern Division.
