Shore striving for more between the pipes
By DANNY RODE
Red Deer Rebels rookie goaltender Peyton Shore has to feel good about playing in the Peavey Mart Centrium.
It was in October of 2023 when the Winnipeg native stood on his head to lead Team Manitoba to their first WHL Cup championship, 6-5 over Team Alberta in a shootout.
Shore made 53 saves in regulation and then stopped five of six shots in the shootout and was named to the tournament All-Star team.
“That was obviously nice to win gold. It was a boost to my confidence and got me going,” he said admitting it was a weird situation.
“We certainly weren’t expected to win it, but we did and I’m happy for that.”
Shore was a fifth-round selection by the Rebels in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft and has quickly become one of their top prospects.
The 16-year-old has put together a solid camp and showed his talents during a 1-0 exhibition loss to the Calgary Hitmen last Friday, making 39 saves.
“It was nice to give the team a chance to win and it’s always good to showcase yourself and be the best you can be,” said the well-spoken Shore, who is among four netminders in camp.
Chase Wutzke and Rhett Stoesser are the two incumbents with Shore and 17-year-old Taylor Tabashniuk pushing the veterans.
“It’s interesting for sure, tight but we all support each other,” said Shore, who isn’t worried about what the ultimate outcome will be.
“I try not to, just go day by day, focusing on making myself better and try to fight for a spot. I always try to push my teammates and my goalie partners. Whatever might be will be and I’m enjoying each day.”
Shore, listed at six-foot-one, 170-pounds, sees himself as an athletic goalie that does everything needed to make a save.
“The main thing is to keep the puck out of the net, I don’t care how, I just want to. I’m determined and will sacrifice myself. Do whatever I need to do to help the team win.”
That desire has impressed Rebels Director of Goaltending/Goalie Coach Ian Gordon.
“He’s come into camp very prepared, and we like what’s in store for him,” said Gordon. “But we’re not getting to far ahead of ourselves. He’s a good prospect, had a good camp and works on it day to day.”
Gordon likes what he’s seen from all the team’s goalie prospects.
“Like Peyton, Taylor is on that list and it’s a strength in our system. We’re identified some good goalies over the last few years and have options.”
Gordon believes each one of the goalies can only do their best and “control what’s in front of them and nothing more.
“We ask each one not to be looking around, just work on themselves and those decisions that need to be made will be made.
“Everyone is putting in their time and when they’re called upon to be in the net we expect them to do well.”
Shore is doing just that.
He attended rookie camp last year and it’s a step up to main camp this season.
“It’s harder for sure. This year I’m here to make the team while last year I couldn’t. It’s tougher but way more exciting.”
The camp has also allowed Shore an opportunity to take things step by step from scrimmages in the main camp, to the Black and White game to exhibition play.
“It’s nice as it slowly introduces you the game, but I feel comfortable.”
Shore did get a taste of the WHL playoffs last season when he was called on to backup Tabashniuk during the Saskatoon series, because of injuries to both Stoesser and Wutzke.
“That was good … definitely nice to be in the room, to be introduced to all the guys, skate with them and just watch the game from the bench. I got an idea of the speed of the game and what I have to do. It led me into the summer and what I have to do to stay here.”
Shore awaits another chance to play this weekend as the Rebels finish their pre-season games, hosting Medicine Hat Friday at 7 p.m. at the Peavey Mart Centrium and visiting the Edmonton Oil Kings Saturday at 7 p.m. in Morinville.
“I’m guessing everyone will get a chance this weekend,” said Gordon. “We do want Rhett to get some time so that he’s feeling good. He’s had a good camp. He came into in great shape so we’re really happy.
“We feel confident with all the guys, and we’ll give them every chance to play, an opportunity to prove themselves. It’s a testament to the work they’ve done to get ready for the season.”
Shore, meantime, likes working with Gordon.
“He’s been super helpful. He’s hard on us, but super nice. Helps me a lot.”
If Shore doesn’t make the Rebels he’ll return to the RINK Hockey Academy in Winnipeg for a third season, competing in the U18 division this season.
“I had two solid years there and if I return, I hope to make it three,” he said.
Last year at the U17 level Shore posted a 2.48 goals-against-average and a .932 save percentage with 10 wins and three losses.
That was just part of his season.
“We played a number of games in the States and exhibition games, and they weren’t on the stats sheet,” he said.
“Still, it’s a shorter season, but with a lot of development time.”
Wutzke will not see action for the Rebels this weekend as he attends camp with the Minnesota Wild.
“It’s a great learning experience for him to attend his first NHL camp,” said Gordon. “I’m sure it will be an eye-opening for him going through it for the first time. Hopefully everything goes well, and he comes back confident and has another good season.”
