Sopiarz enjoying expanded role with Rebels
By DANNY RODE – Patrick Sopiarz’s time with the Prince George Cougars was well spent.
He used it to hone his game by picking up “little pieces” from a strong group of pro prospects, but he was more than happy when he learned he was on his way to the Red Deer Rebels.
“My 16-year-old season they had a really strong team, and I took pieces from their game which was huge and the coaching staff was experienced and super strong in developing me and showing me a way,” said the 17-year-old native of Edmonton.
“There was so much skill around me it was an honour to play with them. It was a good experience but I’m having a great time in Red Deer. It’s even more than I imagined.”
Sopiarz was traded to the Rebels on Dec. 14 and since then has more points – 13 on five goals and eight assists – than he had his entire 79 games with the Cougars.
He played 50 games his rookie season and finished with two goals and one helper while picking up an identical total in 29 games this season before the trade.
“It’s a different role here,” he said. “In Prince George I was a role player as they have such a deep team. I really embraced a bigger role here, it’s what I always wanted and have been ready for from the start.
“Going into my second season that’s what I wanted and I’m happy I found that here. I’m growing my game, piecing it all together. Obviously, it’s a growing process but it’s nice to see all the hard work pay off as I’m getting that opportunity and playing a bigger role which I knew I had in me.”
Sopiarz has been getting top six minutes, as well as playing on special teams.
“Getting top six minutes is special, I’m super excited that’s what I wanted. Habby (head coach Marc Habscheid) has given me the opportunity to really prove myself.
“When it comes to special teams a lot of guys enjoy the power play and I love it too, but I really embrace my time on the kill. When I’m out there, I’m itching and twitching as I really want to kill that penalty so I think I embrace both sides of those opportunities.”
At six-foot, 187-pound Sopiarz likes to play a physical style of game.
“That’s been a pillar of my game since I’ve been young,” he was quick to point out. “Being a role player early in my career has really reinforced that.
“No matter if I’m a top six player I want to play with that edge, play physical do something not everyone wants to do. Go into the corners, play physical and not be afraid to stand up for my teammates, try to be a complete package. It’s pretty rare these days to combine skill, physicality and grit, which I think describes my game.”
Sopiarz found himself on skates when he was two, following in the footsteps of his two brothers.
“I really looked up to them … took so much from them,” he said.
He came up through the Edmonton Minor Hockey system and was drafted by the Cougars in the third round, 63rd overall, in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.
By being picked up by the Rebels it brought him back together with Cameron Kuzma of St. Albert and Edmonton’s Noah Chadi.
“It was interesting in that I played with or against Chadi and Kuzma in minor hockey and here we are together again two hours down the road.”
But while he knew both Chadi and Kuizma he fit in quickly with his new teammates.
“Obviously we have a lot of new faces, so you get to do it together with all the new guys. I think it’s easy with hockey players as you have the same interests. They’re all good guys and it’s been awesome, it’s been a great time overall.”
