So far, so good for McInnis homecoming
By DANNY RODE
It was a long and winding road, but Keith McInnis finally made it back home.
The Red Deer native first left home when he was 14 to join the Yale Hockey Academy in Abbotsford, B.C., and never made it back until signing this season with the Red Deer Rebels.
“I’ve been fortunate Mr. Sutter (Rebels owner/president/General Manager Brent Sutter) took me after I said no the first time,” said the 19-year-old defenceman, who turned down an opportunity to attend Rebels camp after being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
McInnis was a top-rated prospect for that draft who had his sights set on playing college hockey in the United States.
“With the college route being open now (to CHL players) I’m very fortunate that he welcomed me back in. I’m nothing but grateful to be here … it’s absolutely fantastic. I have nothing but good things to say.”
Keith spent two years with Yale before moving to Waterloo and the USHL. He played parts of two seasons there – nine games in 2022-23 and 24 the following season before moving back to Alberta and the Brooks Bandits.
“I was riddled with injuries in the States and struggled to find my game,” he explained. “For me to get back to Brooks, it was needed. I found my game, found who I was again and from there I came here and took the jump.”
Keith indicated he wanted to play in the best league he could “and right now it’s here in the Western Hockey League.
“I’m grateful my path has taken me here. Getting to play in front of friends and family and play for this organization I grew up watching. I’ve been all over but very grateful to be here.”
It was obvious from the start the six-foot-three, 200-pound McInnis was a great fit for the Rebels blueline. But he admitted he’s continuing to grow as the season goes on.
“As each game goes along, I’ve become more adapted, more comfortable with the guys. The last couple of games may not have been my best, but it’s all a learning curve. You learn something each game. Each day at practice or go over video with the coaches.
“I can’t complain the way things have gone … it’s all up from here.”
McInnis sees himself as a 200-foot player. His defence was on display from early in the season and his offensive skills have become more and more evident.
“If I can contribute on offence, it’s awesome but the defensive side is first, not getting scored on is the goal of a defenceman. For me that the biggest goal, not getting scored on as much as I can and if I can dabble in offence as well, that’s nice.”
Getting used to playing against top-end players on a regular basis is the biggest thing McInnis has had to get used to at this level.
“Whatever team I may be playing against I like to play against the best players I can. That’s the biggest adjustment knowing you’re out against them and being able to adapt and not let them score … get off the ice unscathed.”
McInnis is currently committed to attend the University of Minnesota – Duluth next season, but that could change.
“It all depends on how this year goes,” he noted. “I’ve signed to go to school but if the draft happened and I get drafted somehow that would be great. I’m open to all options”
He did admit that the NHL Draft in 2026 is also on his radar.
“Obviously it’s been on my mind, but it’s not something I’m worried or focused on,” he said. “I’m just trying to play my game and get better each day. If it happens that’s awesome, it’s a dream I’ve had, every kid has, and if it happens it’s amazing. If not, no worries.”
A benefit for McInnis playing for the Rebels is to be at home.
“It’s definitely nice. Yesterday I got to go home for dinner, change my tires and see my family. It’s nice that it’s come full circle and to be back here for the first time since I was about 13, it’s sweet.”
Most notable he appreciates the opportunity to see and talk with his dad Jeff.
“He’s been a big influence on me. He’s my hero. I look up to him., what he goes through every day, how he is and how driven he is. He opened my eyes and taught me everything I know. The reason I am where I am today is because of him. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
McInnis enters Friday’s home game versus Medicine Hat (7 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium) with 15 points through 21 games (five goals, 15 assists) putting him in the top-20 amongst WHL blue liners.
