Temple making most of return to Rebels lineup

By DANNY RODE – Cole Temple knows a thing or two about being a high draft pick.

The 18-year-old Red Deer Rebels forward was selected in the first round – fifth overall – by the Regina Pats in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.

Temple was coming off an exceptional season with the Brandon Wheat Kings U15 AAA squad where he scored 108 points on 58 goals and 53 assists in 28 games. He helped the Wheat Kings to the provincial title and was named to the first all-star team.

Looking back at that time, the well-spoken Temple can smile.

“It was pretty cool, but a long time ago,” he said. “It doesn’t really mean that much that a team picks you that high and stuff like that. It was awhile ago.”

It was during his draft year that he realized he had the skill to play in the WHL and he started to hear talk about his draft rankings.

“There was talk going around about different rankings,” he said. “I didn’t realize until then I would be a high pick.”

As a result Cole can give a few tips about how to handle the talk about being a high draft. Such as Red Deer’s Madden Daneault is hearing now.

“I would just say the ranking don’t mean a lot, so don’t get a big head. I tried to brush it away, just enjoy hockey, go to the rink every day and be with my buddies that was the important part. Just don’t think about it, just keep playing the game.”

And he’s done just that, although over the pats two seasons he’s been traded twice.

Last season he played 22 games with the Pats before going to the Everett Silvertips where he played 42 games where he scored 13 goals and 17 assists.

This year he played 34 games with the Silvertips and had a goal and eight assists, well below his expectations.

“It was just one of those years, dealing with injuries and whatnot,” he said. “You don’t want to make excuses.”

After his move to the Rebels injuries reared it’s ugly head again as he suffered a lower body injury which kept him out six weeks.

“That was definitely unfortunate,” he said. “Coming in and playing a few games and not really knowing anyone and then getting injured and being out for six weeks definitely stung. I tried my best to be part of the team while being hurt, but it was definitely difficult not feeling part of the team.”

However, the smooth skating centre has been back five games and has six points – all assists – including three in an 8-4 loss at Medicine Hat.

“I feel amazing, especially coming back from injury,” he said. “It’s nice to be back in the game and back with the boys … playing is so nice.”

Now that he’s getting comfortable he can put the second trade in as many years out of his mind.

“It’s still a shock,” he said when asked if the second trade is easier to take.

“Obviously going from one team and making lots of friends and relationships that will last for a lifetime and then having to go to a new team is difficult at the time. But that’s life, there’s ups and downs and you have to take the positives out of it and I’m really happy here in Red Deer, no complaints at all.”

He’s obviously closer to his family than he was in Everett. That was a shocking move from Regina to the American West Coast team.

“It was completely different,” he said.

Cole brings a style of play that fits nicely on the Rebels.

“I’m a smaller player (listed at five-foot-10, 168-pounds) who can use my legs and my feet. I’m a good skater and sees the ice very well, makes smart and creative plays and can get the puck to the net. I’m definitely trying to work on the defensive part of my game and I think I’m getting good at that.”

Cole will be looked at as a key part of the young Rebels growth this year and over the next couple.

“I think we have a young team, a skilled good group who will be in a good spot in a year or two, in fact I think we’re already up there.”

Temple hasn’t been on any one line of late but has been with Beckett Hamilton a fair amount.

“The lines have been juggled but I’ve been with Beckett and he’s a special player and will be good for years to come. He’s easy to play with and is good with the puck. We’re good off the ice as well.”

After his time with the Rebels, Cole would like to play university hockey.

“I’m trying to focus on the Rebels, but my goal eventually is to play college hockey after I’m done with the Western League.”