Second Sabres camp was smoother sailing for Lindgren
The second time around was a more comfortable experience for Mats Lindgren.
The Rebels defenceman harboured a touch more confidence when he attended his second Buffalo Sabres camp in September.
“It was a pretty cool experience, it always is,” the 19-year-old said Tuesday, prior to a practice session at the Peavey Mart Centrium. “It was cool going in there my second year with just a little more wisdom and kind of knowing what to expect with some of those guys.
“It was an awesome experience, right from the rookie camp to playing my first exhibition game. It was awesome in general being able to play with some elite players like Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner . . . I learned a lot of stuff there that hopefully I can apply here. It was nothing but good.”
Lindgren graduated from Buffalo’s rookie camp to main camp and then, as he noted, dressed for his first ever NHL preseason contest, registering a shot on goal and recording an assist in a 4-1 win over the Boston Bruins one week ago.
He credited his teammates, which included the likes of Dahlin, Thompson and Skinner, for helping him adjust to the pace as well as maintain his focus during the contest.
“It’s pretty cool. Going from the WHL to the NHL, it’s very different,” said Lindgren. “I’d say it’s more controlled. It’s just a different game.”
Lindgren fit right in with his skating and offensive skills, however . . .
“The defensive side was challenging,” he said, adding that he also had to keep his head up. “I got to go against Milan Lucic. I had him bearing down on me on the forecheck.
“It was an awesome experience. I learned a ton of stuff from the those elite players.”
The fact that Lindgren is carrying extra weight this fall made his life easier at the Sabres camp and should pay dividends during the WHL season.
The six-foot rearguard spent countless hours in the gym during the off season and upped his weight to 182 pounds.
“I gained about 12 pounds of muscle,” he offered. “I dedicated a lot of time in the gym. I would usually try to be on the ice a lot but I kind of changed it up this summer.
“I made a new plan. I decided to be in the gym the first two months and not even touch the ice during that time. After that I would work out twice a day and skate three times a week.
“That was tremendous for me . . . just getting stronger. It helps a lot when you’re able to add some weight. It helps with your shot, your speed and even being able to battle guys in the corner. It kind of changes your game and makes life a little easier out there.”
Lindgren returned to the Rebels last Thursday and one day later scored a goal in his first — and Red Deer’s third — game of the season, a 4-2 loss to the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers.
The Tigers took advantage of some soft defensive play by their opponents and notched all of their goals from directly around the Rebels net.
“I think we were a little too spread apart and I also think we were over-complicating things in our own end,” said Lindgren, who was acquired from the Kamloops Blazers in August of last year, two months after being selected by the Sabres in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft.
“We’re just getting used to the new systems as well with the new coach (Derrick Walser) and I think it will take some time,” he added. “Our coaches have good patience and I believe we’ll get there.”
The 1-2 Rebels will look to get back on the winning track this week when they host the Prince Albert Raiders Friday and welcome the Lethbridge Hurricanes to the Centrium 24 hours later.
“This weekend is a huge opportunity for us to dial in on everything,” said Lindgren, the son of former NHL defenceman Mats Lindgren. “I have confidence in our group that we’ll do that and I’m really excited for this coming weekend.”
Lindgren, who in 2022-23 scored 11 goals and recorded 34 points during 63 regular season games and added two goals and nine points in 12 playoff contests, has yet to sign with the Sabres but a strong 2023-24 campaign could certainly pave the way to an NHL contract.
“Obviously that (contract) is something you want but I’d say my focus is just on playing my game,” he stated. “I’m here in Red Deer and this team is everything that’s on my mind right now.
“Winning a championship with this team — that’s the end goal. I’ll be doing everything I can to help this team win. That’s my mindset for this year.”
Notable: One of the most popular Rebels game night promotions is back for another season as this Saturday (Oct. 7 vs. Lethbridge) is the first Beer Night Special of the season. Fans can enjoy two cans of domestic beer for just $10. Sticking with suds… Rebels Red, the official beer of the Red Deer Rebels, is back! Rebels Red is proudly produced by Troubled Monk, the official craft beer partner of the Rebels. Available throughout fall, Rebels Red is available on game nights at the Peavey Mart Centrium, at the Troubled Monk taproom, and at retailers across central Alberta . . . Season tickets for the 2023-24 season are still available. Fans can also purchase half-season, 9-game packs, 3-game packs, and single-game tickets. Visit reddeerrebels.com or call Shaun Richer at 403-341-6000 for details.
