Uchacz grew plenty, on and off the ice, during time with Rebels
By Danny Rode
To say it was a bittersweet day for Kai Uchacz as he formally bid adieu to the Red Deer Rebels would most certainly be an understatement.
He left the Peavey Mart Centrium as a Rebel for the last time on Friday after the team cleaned out its locker room following the end of the season.
“It’s been a little emotional coming to the rink and saying goodbye to some familiar faces, faces who have been family to me for the last three years,” said Uchacz, who this season was the team’s captain, MVP for the second time and Humanitarian Award recipient for the third-straight season.
“I can’t thank the organization (enough) for taking me in, giving me a chance to be a Rebel. The city, the fans, the community it’s been unbelievable what Red Deer has here, what kind of team and organization they have.
“I can’t thank everyone enough who has been involved for helping me out and giving me this great opportunity,” added Uchacz who was traded to the Rebels in July 2021 from the Seattle Thunderbirds.
He indicated he’s grown so much since arriving in Red Deer as an 18-year-old.
“The big thing was how to carry myself as a man, as a guy each day. I learned different character traits, I learned about myself, things I didn’t know I had in me. One thing was being a leader, a captain. I knew I had in me but something had to show and developed out of me this year.”
He indicated it was a huge honour having the “C” on his jersey.
“It came with a lot of responsibilities and hard work and dedication, but that’s what I try to bring each night, each day to this city and this team. I was thankful for the opportunity.”
Uchacz has been great for the Rebels on the ice and in the community, talking with kids and working with organizations and schools where and when he could.
“That was something I took pride in,” he admitted. “I really wanted to make an impact in the community … to share my story … to share what I know and be a role model and mentor. I hope the work I did in the community and around the rink doesn’t go unnoticed and I hope it makes an impact on a few people.”
Uchacz said he’ll miss his teammates the most.
“Honestly, all the teammates I played with the last three years. I can’t thank each and everyone of them enough. I wish I could go on and name a list of guys, but I can’t name everyone single one of them and thank them enough.”
Off the ice the ice the team was a close-knit family.
“So many memories in the room and away from the rink. Our dressing room attendant Mikel McIvor … I’ll miss that guy and all the laughs and smiles.”
Uchacz became a fan favourite, with his jersey one of the most sought-after, as he posted 50 goals and 35 assists in 2022-23 and 42 goals and 39 helpers this year.
“It was awesome to see the jerseys, the posters and signs people had. The cheering and support I received. It keeps you going coming to the rink to play in front of the best fans in the league.”
Uchacz added he had a large fan base of friends and family in the upper left corner of the Peavey Mart Centrium.
“I can’t thank those guys enough. I love them all.”
On the ice he also “learned how to be a pro, a pro player each day and what it takes to get to the next level and to take care of your body.”
The 20-year-old from De Winton, who played minor hockey in Okotoks, hasn’t yet received a playing offer for next season.
“Nothing set for next year, just waiting to hear. I’ll keep you informed, hopefully it’s good news,” he said.
Uchacz leave the Rebels sitting fourth on the club’s all-time goals list with 104. His 199 points with the club is 11th most and he’s second in club history with 33, trailing only his former teammate Ben King. He was also the first player to lead the Rebels in points in back-to-back seasons since Justin Mapletoft in 1999-2000 and 2000-01. Uchacz was a two-time Central Division First-Team All Star and the Central Division Player of the Year in 2022-23.