Well-travelled Park aims to impress at second Rebels camp
By DANNY RODE
Ethan Park has to laugh when talking about his travels since he was a youngster.
Park, who is attending Red Deer Rebels Training Camp for a second time, was born in Red Deer, but grew up in Idaho before moving to Los Angeles and Buffalo, NY, to play at an elite level of hockey.
“My family still lives in Idaho, but I’m all over the World,” he said laughing after practice Friday afternoon at the Peavey Mart Centrium.
“I’m living out of the house since I was 13-or-14-years-old, so I have a lot of independence, I had to take care of myself.”
But not completely independent. His billet in LA and now Buffalo is former Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown, who is his coach in Buffalo.
It was Brown who talked him into playing U15AAA hockey in Buffalo.
“Jake Brown, Dustin’s son, was my line mate for three years. So when Dustin, who is originally from New York, decided to move back home he said ‘hey you want to come along for the ride’.
“They offered me a great opportunity and I took it.”
Ethan, a second-round draft pick by the Rebels in the 2023 U.S. Priority Draft, also has a great opportunity to further his game in Red Deer.
Although he hasn’t yet signed with the club, he’s looking forward to skating with the WHL squad as early as this season.
“I’m definitely 100 percent interested in signing and looking forward to what the future holds,” he said. “My goal is 100 percent to make the team this year.”
Park has the offensive skill to play with the Rebels, and although he’s listed at close to five-foot-10 and 180 pounds, he likes the physical side of the game.
“I like to get into people’s faces, get into the dirty areas,” he indicated. “Obviously I’m not the biggest guy but I don’t let that affect me.
“I want to show them I can play big boy hockey and get as comfortable as possible as quick as possible and show them I can compete with these guys. Keep up with them and beat them in the battles.”
He’s getting that opportunity in his second year at the Rebels camp as he’s with the main group this year after spending last year with the rookies.
“It’s great to be with the main camp. There’s a lot of good guys … vets who helped me a lot last year. Also this year I hope to help whoever I can and lead the way. I like to be a leader in my own way.”
Park, whose given first name is Kue-Gene, comes into camp as a centre, but is willing to play “wherever they want.”
Park played two levels with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres U15AAA team last season. He had seven goals goals, five assists and 20 minutes in penalties playing in the Tier I Elite League and 26 goals, 43 helpers and 69 penalty minutes in 70 games in the New England League.
He stressed that Brown played a big role in his development.
“He’s my coach and it’s a great opportunity to learn and develop … I’m enjoying every moment,” he said.
Park has added considerable strength since last year, something he’ll continue to work on.
“I will continue to work on my strength, speed and conditioning.”
He also spends a lot of time on the mental side of the game.
“I watch a lot of video, analyzing my game and seeing where I can improve and improve on the ice.”
If things work out with the Rebels Park will see action in the preseason and possibly longer. If not he’ll return to Buffalo.
“Last year we struggled a bit and didn’t get out of the State, but this year we should be stronger,” he said.
Park is pleased to return to Red Deer this year to see his relatives.
“I didn’t get a chance to come back since last year,” he said.
It also brings back memories.
“I remember daycare, and my grandparents had an acreage where I remember running around. There was also a pond in our neighbourhood, and I remember my mom pulling me on a sled and skating on it.
“I didn’t have any hockey equipment, my older brother had that. But once he quit I got it and that’s how I started playing hockey.”
Training Camp runs Saturday through Monday at the Peavey Mart Centrium with the Black and White Game Tuesday at 7 p.m. Entry will be a donation to the Red Deer Food Bank.
