WHL Cup: Defensive prowess key in Chace Turchak’s development
By DANNY RODE – Chace Turchak has all the ingredients to be a dominant penalty killer once he makes the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels.
The 15-year-old native of Calgary has big time speed and understands the defensive side of the game.
“I’m pretty fast, which does help on the penalty kill,” he said during an interview Thursday after helping Team Alberta defeat Team Saskatchewan 5-0 in the WHL Cup at the Marchant Crane Centrium.
Turchak impressed Team Alberta and RDP Kings head coach Cody Reynolds with his play at the tournament.
“His legs do the talking on the defensive side,” said Reynolds. “He’s strong on the penalty kill. We have showed a good penalty kill so far as we put a lot of pressure on the other teams and he’s a big part of that.”
Turchak plays that role with the U18 AAA Calgary Buffaloes this season.
“I play on the penalty kill and sometimes on the power play it depends on where they want me,” he said.
Turchak made a big jump this season from the U15 AAA Calgary Bisons where he had 24 goals and 28 assists in 32 games. He also played seven games with the U17 AAA Calgary Bulls.
“It’s nice to play with the big boys and keep my speed up and do my best,” he said. “I hope to have a good year offensively and hopefully make the Rebels next year … I’m working my hardest and trying to play my best,” he said.
Turchak was a second-round selection (30th overall) by the Rebels in the 2025 WHL prospects Draft. He attended training camp, which he feels benefited his jump to the Buffaloes.
“The speed was amazing (at the Rebels camp), and it really helped taking that back to U18. It’s amazing how good they (the Rebels) are.”
Turchak believes his time with Team Alberta will only benefit him as well.
“It’s a cool experience playing with and against all the top players in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C. It feels good out there.
“The competition here is super competitive, it makes you want to compete harder and harder and put in your best effort.
“I know we feel good and are building and coming a family. It’s nice to meet the boys and build together.”
Three other members Rebels prospects – defencemen Owen Archer and Nolan Wolitski, and goalie Chase Nielson – were also on Team Alberta.
“It’s nice to know the other players from Red Deer … it’s super good to compete with them.”
Fellow Rebels prospect Dylan Russell was captain for Team Manitoba at the tournament, while prospect Bronx Becker suited up for Team Saskatchewan.
Manitoba won gold on Sunday with a 6-1 win over BC. Alberta took bronze with a 4-2 win over Saskatchewan with Turchak collecting a goal and an assist.
