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Hamilton among nine WHL players named to Canada’s pre-tournament camp roster for 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship

Troy Gillard — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:09:17 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – Nine Western Hockey League players have been named to the pre-tournament camp roster for Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team ahead of the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, Hockey Canada announced Monday.

The WHL will be represented by two goaltenders, two defencemen, and five forwards on Canada’s pre-tournament roster. In total, Hockey Canada named three goaltenders, seven defencemen, and 13 forwards to the roster, which was selected by General Manager Alan Millar (Tottenham, Ont.) and Head Scout Byron Bonora (Brooks, Alta.), with support from Director of Hockey Operations Benoit Roy (Sudbury, Ont.), Senior Vice-President of High Performance and Hockey Operations Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), and Coordinator of Hockey Operations Jared Power (Calgary, Alta.).

Seven WHL Clubs will be represented on Canada’s roster, with the Brandon Wheat Kings and Vancouver Giants both boasting two players. Also represented are the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Red Deer Rebels Regina Pats, Seattle Thunderbirds, and Spokane Chiefs.

Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team – Pre-Tournament Camp, WHL Players

Last Name	First Name	WHL Club	Hometown	Ht	Wt	Pos
Oaten	Leif	Lethbridge Hurricanes	Calgary, Alta.	6-3	194	G
Esler	Carter	Spokane Chiefs	Okotoks, Alta.	5-11	165	G
Lin	Ryan	Vancouver Giants	Richmond, B.C.	5-11	176	D
Pantelas	Giorgos	Brandon Wheat Kings	Victoria, B.C.	6-2	214	D
Preston	Mathis	Vancouver Giants	Penticton, B.C.	5-11	176	F
Lansard	Zach	Regina Pats	Ste. Anne, Man.	6-0	174	F
England	Brock	Seattle Thunderbirds	Red Deer, Alta.	5-11	174	F
Jacobson	Jaxon	Brandon Wheat Kings	Brandon, Man.	5-10	183	F
Hamilton	Beckett	Red Deer Rebels	Saskatoon, Sask.	5-11	172	F

Also named to the team is former Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff. Roster additions will be announced in the coming weeks following the conclusion of the second round of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) playoffs, while the final roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship will be announced prior to the start of the tournament.

Oaten appeared in 31 games with the Hurricanes this season, going 6-19-2-0. He won gold with Canada Red at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Oaten was originally selected by Lethbridge in the third round (58th overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft. He is eligible for the 2028 NHL Draft.

In his second season with the Chiefs, Esler went 24-18-1-0 with a 2.80 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and five shutouts in 44 appearances. Internationally, he most recently helped Canada to a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was named a finalist for the WHL’s Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the WHL’s Humanitarian of the Year. Esler is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Lin enjoyed a second consecutive campaign with 50+ points on the Giants blueline, registering 57 points (14G-43A) in 53 games. He represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and was also named to the roster for Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass, but was unable to compete due to injury. Internationally, Lin most recently helped Canada claim bronze at the 20225 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was also a member of Canada’s gold-medal winning team at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Lin is listed 13th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

In his second season with the Wheat Kings, Pantelas posted career highs in goals (6), assists (31), and points (37), while taking to the ice for 68 regular season games. He represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and also competed for Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Internationally, Pantelas most recently represented Canada at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping his nation to a bronze medal. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Pantelas is listed 58th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Preston registered 44 points (18G-26A) in 46 games split between the Giants and Spokane Chiefs this past season. He represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and was named to the roster for Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass, but was unable to compete due to injury. Preston was a member of Canada’s bronze-medal squad at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, he is listed 24th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Lansard tallied 56 points (24G-32A) in 68 games in his second season with the Pats. He represented Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. He has yet to represent Canada on the international stage. Originally selected by the Pats in the fourth round (78th overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Lansard is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft and is listed 72nd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

England impressed in his WHL rookie campaign, posting 51 points (21G-30A) in 64 games with the Thunderbirds. Internationally, he helped Canada Red claim gold at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Originally selected by the Thunderbirds in the first round (11th overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, England is considered a top prospect eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

In his second WHL season, Jacobson excelled with the Wheat Kings, posting 85 points (25G-60A) in 63 games, earning a place on the WHL’s Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team. Internationally, Jacobson earned a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2024 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Jacobson is considered a top prospect eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Recently named captain of the Rebels, Hamilton emerged with 62 points (24G-38A) in 67 games this past season. He represented Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Originally selected by the Rebels in the first round (18th overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Hamilton is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, listed 75th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. He has yet to represent Canada on the international stage.

Verhoeff spent the 2025-26 campaign with the University of North Dakota following 75 games over two seasons with the Victoria Royals. From 2023-24 through 2024-25, the 6-foot-4, 212-pound right-shot defenceman tallied 47 points (21G-26A) as a member of the Royals. Most recently, he patrolled the blueline for Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, bringing home a bronze medal. Verhoeff is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, listed second among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team will play two pre-tournament games, taking on Sweden at Ondrej Nepala Arena in Bratislava on April 17 and Czechia at the Pavol Demitra Ice Hockey Arena in Trencin on April 19. The 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 22, with Canada taking on Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, and Finland in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with medal games May 2.

For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit IIHF.com.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca.

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

Hamilton has all the tools to lead Rebels as captain

Troy Gillard — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:41:20 +0000

By DANNY RODE - It only seemed right that Beckett Hamilton would be named the next Red Deer Rebels captain. After all the 18-year-old native of Saskatoon has all the ingredients needed to be the 30th captain in team history, taking over the reins from Talon Brigley. “He’s an outstanding kid and a very good hockey player,” said Rebels owner/president/General Manager Brent Sutter. “He’s thrilled to come back next year, and we’re thrilled to have him as our captain.” “I’m fully focused on coming to Red Deer next year and hopefully make a huge push in the playoffs and see what we can do,” said the high scoring forward on exit interview day. Outside of his offensive capabilities he consistently plays the game at a high level and is one of the off-ice leaders on a team that had only three 20-year-olds and no 19-year-olds. “We switched our team quite a bit this year and props to everyone in that room,” said Hamilton, who turned 18 on March 28. “We have a young team, an inexperienced team, and it wasn’t easy for a group of 17-year-olds to basically push their way into the playoffs. But we found a way. It wasn’t the end we wanted but we learned a lot ... everyone in there learned a lot about themselves and about the team. That’s a positive for us going forward.” The Rebels roster finished the season with 11 players born in 2008 and classified as 17-year-olds. They have seven players born in 2007, or playing as 18-year-olds, along with Grayden Peterson still 16. “We have an unbelievable future,” added Hamilton. “We’re a young team with good chemistry and a good room. I only see this group going up with us building together. I think there will be a huge off season for everyone and I’m excited to see what we can do when we come back.” The Rebels need his offence and his leadership. In only his second season with the club he led the team with 62 points in 67 games on 24 goals and 38 assists. He also tied for team lead in scoring in the playoffs with two goals and three assists in five games, equalling those totals put up by Kalder Varga. Hamilton realizes he’s expected to be a leader. “It was different coming back this year after my 16-year-old season and taking some leadership. I think I learned a lot and it developed me a lot as a player and it only helped me.” He showed his growth as a player as the season wore on. He was especially solid the second half. “I think the team helped me a lot. The guys in that room helped me a lot. The experience playing in this league for a longer time you learn more about yourself, you get more confidence. One thing goes right and you get on a roll. I give credit to everyone in there and the coaches really helped me. “There was a stretch where I wasn’t doing well but everyone in that room helped me and I got back on track. Full credit to those guys.” Hamilton was on a streak for sure to close out the season as he scored in nine of the final 10 games, accumulating 14 points. He helped the Rebels get into the playoffs where they drew the top-seeded Prince Albert Raiders in the best-of-seven first round, losing out in the fifth game in overtime. “The playoffs were a grind of a series, but we battled through to win that fourth game,” said Hamilton. “We just couldn’t get it back here (in the fifth game), but we battled and did what we could with the young team we had.” Hamilton can now look forward to the NHL Draft, going in ranked 75^th amongst North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting. “I haven’t thought much about it,” he said. “It’s been a tough couple of days here just saying goodbye to everyone. It’s in the back of my mind a little bit but I’m trying not to worry about it much.” One of the players Hamilton will miss more than others is Brigley. “He’s unbelievable,” he stressed. “Last year when I came in, he was one of those guys I followed and he led me. He was an unbelievable teammate. “He led in all aspects, on the ice, off the ice, in the gym. He’s a smart guy. You look at his compete level, all he wants to do is win. He has a winning mindset, and he showed the group how to lead, full respect to him. “He’s a great guy, will be a great player in the future (at Scared Heart University) and I have nothing but respect for him and the best is ahead of him.” That’s also the case for the Rebels new captain.

Sutter: Rebels poised to learn from, build on season of change

Troy Gillard — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:58:07 +0000

By DANNY RODE - Every year Red Deer Rebels owner/president/General Manager Brent Sutter sits down with the media following at season’s end to evaluate what took place over the past seven months. Each year it’s different. There are times when he can sit back and smile. There are times when he has to make a number of drastic changes. This year he can feel more comfortable with what he saw over the second half of the year. “The second half was way better after we made the changes,” he stressed. “The first half we were 10 games under .500 but the second half we were .500 with the young group of players. “We made our team different at the trade deadline when we got more skill and got faster.” Still there are things to continue to work on, he said. “Specialty teams were a struggle for us all year. They hurt us in certain games for sure. Those are points you don’t get back when getting power plays and not getting any goals on them and losing by a goal or two. That was the difference in those games. “But moving forward there’s encouraging signs for sure. We have a good group coming back, a really good group of young prospects who will push to be on the team next year.” https://soundcloud.com/user-529209141/brent-sutter-april-8-2026?si=d0d2a6dce6cb41fcb631f5277aba073e&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Sutter added that the WHL is no longer a 19-or-20-year-old league with a number of top-end older players now moving on to the NCAA. “So your 17- and 18-year-old players have to be really, really important for you. It’s tough to have top-end 20-year-olds when they are leaving after their 19-year-old season. It’s a different path now.” The Rebels finished the season with three 20-year-olds and no 19-year-olds (2006-born) meaning they have no overage players on their roster. But Sutter isn’t worried about that. “I’m really looking forward to seeing our young kids coming in next season because I think they will be really, really good players and add to the skill set of our group.” As for finding 20-year-olds, he isn’t worried about it. “There’s not any elite 20-year-olds in our league anymore. If your 18- and 19-year-olds are better why do you need a 20-year-old. I don’t get caught up in that, only if there’s the right fit. “Right now, we have 10 or 11 forwards returning and six or seven D men with the likes of (Graeme) Pickering coming in. We also have both goalies back and (Matthew) Kondro proved he’s a No. 1 goalie and we have a good back up in Shorsey (Peyton Shore) or whoever else comes in.” The Rebels have done an outstanding job of drafting the past several years and there will be several high-end younger players vying for jobs come September. But they will be up against a solid group with 11 18-year-olds and seven 19 year-olds, plus Grayden Peterson, who will be 17. A larger number of that group came in via the trade route at the trade deadline. “We needed to get skill and needed to get faster and my whole mindset going into the trade deadline was on how we do that,” said Sutter. “We added skill up front from (Kalder) Varga, (Poul) Andersen and (Patrick) Sopiarz (alongside Beckett Hamilton) and others who completely bought in to our group like Lodgey (Kohen Lodge), (Owen) DeWitt and (Landon) MacSwain. “It’s now important for the kids to have a good summer and come back next fall looking different, stronger, bigger and more confident. With young kids it will be interesting to see.” Overall Sutter brought in 10 players during the season, plus several others who will be here next season. “Unfortunately to get good players you have to give up good players and we certainly did that,” he said. “We focused on the 17–18-year-old age group because we knew we had a strong group of younger players coming in as well. We’re excited about that. Yes, the future is bright for this team and certainly will be more skilled for sure, which we needed to have.” Sutter was asked about the coaching staff, including veteran head coach Marc Habscheid who completed his first year with the Rebels. “There was a learning curve for him. He was back in junior where he coached for a long time, but you leave for a long time and come back and things are different. “Things have changed and the whole dynamics have changed with the new NCAA rulings. So, there’s an adjustment with the coaches. They work with the young group of guys and spend a lot of time with them and not just off the ice but on the ice too. It’s about development. You do all the work you want inside the dressing room, but you have to spend the time on the ice.” What bothered Sutter most this season was the team’s home record (13-18-3-0). “That has a lot to do with preparation and distractions. We were much better on the road and that speaks for itself and that’s all about being focused on game day and that’s a learning curve for the coaches.” Sutter indicated he “would like to think all the coaches were learning throughout the year.” He added he’s going through evaluations but not planning on making any changes to the coaching staff. “Every year we do it and always determined what’s best for the group,” he said. “I’ve met with the coaches, and they know where I stand. I was unhappy with the first half of the season, and we can’t play that way at home. “The second half was okay. Unfortunately, we had to make changes, change our attitude or whatever it was. We did it and we did it for the right reasons. So, we went from being not good to being better so when we met with the coaches, we went through it and evaluated it. “We have a young group coming back and now it’s what is the right fit and at this point I’m not planning any changes.” Sutter very much expects the team to continue to improve. “The whole thing is I want us to be competitive all the time. A team playing hard every night. Our work habits have to continue to improve, and I thought for a young team over the second half we did that, even though there were still some inconsistencies and we had a hard time playing for 60 minutes. That has to be corrected for sure, but we have a great group of kids, an awesome group who care and want to succeed, want to have success and now the leadership around them has to be what it needs to be.” The next on the agenda for Sutter is the WHL Prospects Draft in May and CHL Import Draft in July. The WHL Prospects Draft is different this year with the American players on the same list as the Western Canadian 14-year-olds. “Our scouts have done an unbelievable job and now the list is longer,” said Sutter. “There’s more work to be done, dissecting it and more kids to look at.” But with the new NCAA rules “there’s more opportunities for kids to play here even if they are looking at the NCAA. “But now if they want to stay, they have to play at a certain level. It’s different than it used to be as before if management signed a player he had to stay because it affected his NCAA eligibility if we let him go.” As for the import draft, the Rebels plan to select one player after releasing forward Matej Mikes and keeping defencemen Jiri Kamas and Matus Lisy. “Mikes is a great kid, but he is having a second knee operation on the same knee and it’s too high of a risk for us. We can’t control injuries and another significant surgery to the same knee is a high risk and forces us to go in a different direction.”

Beckett Hamilton named Rebels Captain

Troy Gillard — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:58:58 +0000

RED DEER – The Red Deer Rebels are proud to announce that Beckett Hamilton has been named the club’s captain for the 2026-27 season. The Saskatoon, SK native becomes the 30^th captain in team history. Hamilton just completed his second season with the Rebels and finished as the team’s leading scorer with 62 points in 67 games, earning him Rebels Most Valuable Player honours. “I’m fully focused on coming to Red Deer next year and hopefully make a huge push in the playoffs and see what we can do,” said Hamilton. "He's an outstanding kid and a very good hockey player. He's thrilled to come back next year, and we're thrilled to have him as our captain," said Rebels Owner, President and General Manager Brent Sutter. Hamilton is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft and is currently ranked 76^th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He competed at the WHL Prospects Game in February. Hamilton was selected by the Rebels in round one, 18^th overall at the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

Habscheid confident Rebels are on right track

Troy Gillard — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:30:45 +0000

By DANNY RODE - Red Deer Rebels head coach Marc Habscheid takes a lot of pride in what he saw from his young team this season and into the playoffs. “The guys gave us everything they had and that’s all you can ask against a good team,” he said during a year-end media scrum. The Rebels, who are the youngest team in the league with three 20-year-olds and no 19-year-olds, lost the best-of-seven series to the top-seeded Prince Albert Raiders, losing the fifth game in overtime. “Outside of two periods (in the entire series) we were right there with them. The guys worked their tails off to prepare both mentally and physically. It was a real together group and did what we asked of them. “We’re young and experience is the always the greatest teacher. We learned a lot in this playoff series and we hung in there. If we get a bounce (in that final overtime) and we’re back here (for Game 6).” Habscheid and the Rebels held their exit meetings Saturday. “This is a tight group. We held our exit meetings, and they all said how tight there were and that’s what you need to be a successful team.” Habscheid saw a lot over his initial season with the Rebels, taking over a rebuilding team last September that went through a myriad of midseason changes with veterans traded away and talented youngsters brought in. “There was a big change at the deadline with 12 different guys coming in, but it was fun. At the time it was like a meet and greet in the dressing room. But the guys did a good job, especially the leadership group of getting the guys together, getting them on the same page. “Then just after we were out to B.C. There was a lot going on in a short period of time and it evolved into a close-knit group. We worked to get them better and to grow as a group. We made it into the playoffs and made some noise, although we would have liked to make some more.” Habscheid liked what he saw from a team that had 11 17-year-olds, seven 18-year-olds and a 16-year-old on the roster. “They’re young but their attitude is the biggest thing for me and these guys, individually and collectively, have that. They all pulled in the same direction. They care about one another. There were a lot of tears in that room today because they are leaving and that’s what’s important. You’d be worrying if there wasn’t, but there was as they care about one another. It’s a good group, a talented group.” Habscheid has worked with a number of young teams over his coaching career and can tell when he has a team that will continue to evolve. “They kept stepping forward and we’re on the cusp of something good here.” And Habscheid wants to be part of it. “Absolutely. It’s a great place to be and I like working with the youth. They’re impressionable and a lot of fun. Personally, I see the three overages leave and it’s tough as you get close to them as a coach. “They are special but that’s a way of life in junior. Three move on and the young guys move up and take on different roles and responsibilities and that’s the fun part of coaching this age group.”

Graduation Season: Rebels 20-year-olds leave with great memories

Troy Gillard — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:42:41 +0000

By DANNY RODE - There were a few tears, then again there always will be when players are leaving a team for the last time. Saturday was just one of those days for the three 20-year-old members of the Red Deer Rebels. Captain Talon Brigley, along with Tyson Yaremko and Aleksey Chichkin, cleared out their lockers for the last time and said goodbye to a group of friends they will always be close to. For Brigley it was extra tough as the Rebels where the only team he knew during his five-year Western Hockey League career. “This is definitely harder than most years for sure,” he said. “But the meetings have been good, hanging out with the guys, just being around the rink, talking with the coaches and hanging out with Mikey (dressing room attendant Mikel McIver). All the fun stuff.” Brigley can now take time to look back over his career. “It’s meant so much to me, coming in as a 16-year-old to now. I’ve learned so much. I’m a different person than I was back then. Even this year with Habby (head coach Marc Habscheid) and the wisdom he has and shared with us. I’ve learned so much from him. He’s given me confidence to be the person I want to be, the leader I want to be. I will take that with me forever. I owe this organization everything.” And the organization owes Talon a lot as well. He gave everything he had from day one, hardly missing a game, setting a pair of records for longevity by playing 329 regular season games and 365 regular season and playoff games. “That’s special,” he agreed. “I never thought that would happen, playing that many games for this organization. It’s something I will look back on in the future, it’s a special milestone. The past five years went by so fast it really never hit me until now. But it’s special to be here the past five years and this year I’m so honoured to be captain and lead these guys. It’s something I’ll never forget.” As he leaves Talon does have some final words for a talented group of younger players remaining. “My advice to them is to work as hard as they can. We have simple rules here. To be good teammates, to work hard as you can and to treat others how you want to be treated. It’s the culture we have. “It’s not hard to find those guys when they come in. They learned quick that this is the way it is and every guy is an unreal human and I think they will have success in the future.” Talon’s future, starting next year, will be at Sacred Heart University, an independent Catholic Division I school in Fairbank, Ct. “It’s something I’m looking forward to for sure,” he said. “Getting out of Red Deer will be new for me. I’m excited and the change of scenery will be fun. I’ll be playing in a new league against older guys and I’m excited to see what the competition is like. I will miss this place and these guys but I’m excited for it.” But Talon will always have his memories. “There are too many to even say,” he said. “One of the biggest was coming to a game when I was a kid. I still remember where we sat. My dad had season tickets he got from work, and we’d come to as many games as we could. It was surreal for me to put the jersey on. I never took it for granted. “For it to be over is sad, but I’ve been fortunate to be here for five years and meet the people I have and the friendships will be forever. What I’ve learned from the staff, from Brent (Sutter) and my teammates will be with me for the rest of my life.” Both Yaremko and Chichkin came to the Rebels in trades this season and have nothing but good things to say about the club. “It’s been awesome, just getting to know the players,” said Yaremko, who came over from the Portland Winterhawks at the trade deadline. Prior to that he had played one game with the Swift Current Broncos. “I think going on the bus trips and hanging our with the guys were the best,” he said. “You take it for granted that you don’t want to do it, but it’s the best part of junior hockey. Just that experience on the bus for many hours. I was on three different teams and met so many guys coming in and out and it was unbelievable.” There was a difference between Portland and Red Deer. “Portland is a bigger city, a longer drive with a lot of traffic,” he said. “The fans were great, although a little less on the hockey side. Here it’s nice. More hockey culture in a Canadian city. Here we’re closer to the rink and it’s a little colder but it’s been great.” Yaremko will attend the University of Alaska – Fairbanks next season. He feels this year prepared him for that next step in his career. “I had a tough year last year because of injuries and had a couple of injuries toward the end of this year but I’m ready to go play Div I. Have a great summer to rehab my injuries and be ready for next year. He has been in contact with the university throughout the year. “They kept in touch, keeping up to date. I’m excited.” Chichkin came to the Rebels from Prince George early in the season, giving the Rebels valuable experience on the blueline. “It’s been unreal here. Great spot anyone would love coming here.” Chichkin played three years in the league, collecting a few different hats along the way. He played a season with the Calgary Hitmen, then split last year between the Regina Pats and Prince George Cougars and then this season. He enjoyed every minute in the league. “The league has given me so much,” he said. “More than I could ever hoped. Look where I was when I was 16 to where I am today. I’m so happy to be part of those teams and the chances the coaches took on me. “It’s unbelievable to sit here today and look back. I learned something from every place and I’m thankful to everyone. “Today is a tough day. The coaches poured so much into me ... took, a chance on me.” Aleksey came to Red Deer looking to be someone who was tough to play against. “That was my goal,“ he said. “When I first saw you guys (media) the first day I was traded here I said I wanted to be the toughest guy to play against and I thought I did that throughout the season. I think I had a great year.” Aleksey was to join Mercyhurst University next season, but he was told on the first day of the playoffs that they dropped their men’s hockey program. “I haven’t really thought about it, haven’t had much time,” he said. “The coaches have been talking to some schools for me so I will figure it out in the next couple of days and get into it.” He’s also hoping to get a pro tryout. “Hope so. I had a good season so I’ll see what comes of it. One thing he can add to his resume is leadership. “We had a young group and I’m real proud of the way this group responded. There’s a lot of younger guys who will have a good future and I’m proud of that.”

Rebels season ends in overtime heartbreaker

Troy Gillard — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:36:59 +0000

PRINCE ALBERT - The Red Deer Rebels left it all on the ice at the Art Hauser Centre on Good Friday, pushing the Prince Albert Raiders to overtime in a 4-3 thriller. Despite a valiant effort, the top team in the east ultimately prevailed as the Raiders the Rebels' season to a close. Matthew Kondro once again proved himself a gamer with a stellar goaltending performance. Beckett Hamilton opened the scoring, Kohen Lodge kept the Rebels within striking distance, and Nate Yellowaga's late third-period goal forced the game into extra time. Prince Albert wins the series four games to one and are off round two. Stats Story: Matthew Kondro (RD) - 48 saves Brock Cripps (PA) - 1 goal, 2 assists Kohen Lodge (RD) - 1 goal, 1 assist How it Happened: Game 5 wasted no time finding its edge. Brock Cripps jumped into the rush from the blue line and buried the opener past Matthew Kondro, giving Prince Albert an early lead at the Art Hauser Centre just over five minutes in. The Rebels answered late in the opening frame. Kalder Varga pushed the pace into the Raiders' zone and slid a pass to Beckett Hamilton, who made no mistake lifting a backhand past Michal Orsulak to even the score at one. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2040243325832458359 The Raiders regained control in the second. Owen Corkish found his spot and picked the corner to restore the lead, before Linden Burrett capitalized on a two-on-one late in the period to extend it to 3-1. But the Rebels didn't let it slip. Varga drive the zone once again and found Kohen Lodge who ripped a shot home to pull Red Deer back within one before the break. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2040264670008033625 Down 3-2 entering the third, the Rebels leaned in. Shift by shift, they pushed for a response - and found it when it mattered most. With the net empty and time winding down, Nate Yellowaga fired a puck from the boards that deflected off a Raider and into the net, silencing the building and forcing overtime. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2040275375977361519 Just over two minutes in, Brandon Gorzynski found a loose puck and wrapped it home to bring the game - and the Rebels season - to a close. Kondro was a constant throughout, turning aside 48 shots in a standout performance. At the other end, Orsulak made 20 saves. Played nearly entirely at five-on-five, neither side found a breakthrough on special teams. Prince Albert went 0-for-2 on the powerplay, while Red Deer did not have a man advantage. The Raiders finished with a 52-23 edge in shots. Brandt Three Stars 1. Brock Cripps (PA) 2. Brandon Gorzynski (PA) 3. Linden Burrett (PA) Notes: Matthew Kondro registered 170 saves throughout the five-game series for a .895 save-percentage (Orsulak finished at .891) ... Rebels scratches for the game were Noah Chadi, Poul Andersen, Cole Temple, and Matej Mikes, along with affiliate players Chace Turchak and Nolan Wolitski ... Cash Arcand-Vandale made his WHL Playoffs debut ... Attendance at the Art Hauser Centre was 3,134 ... Congratulations to the Red Deer Rebels graduating players: Talon Brigley, Aleksey Chichkin and Tyson Yaremko who each played their final WHL game on Friday. Next up: See you next season!

Rebels answer the call in Game 4 with 4-3 win

Troy Gillard — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:49:36 +0000

RED DEER - With the Red Deer Rebels season on the line, the club pushed past the Prince Albert Raiders to take a 4-3 win Wednesday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Matthew Kondro put on a masterclass between the pipes and kept the Rebels in striking distance throughout the first 40 minutes. Cameron Dillard found the puck luck to get the Rebels rolling with a pair of timely goals, Beckett Hamilton came up clutch to tie the game and Kalder Varga sealed the win with a game winning powerplay strike that electrified the crowd. "We're a proud group that works hard and plays an honest game," noted Rebels head coach Marc Habscheid. "We didn't play like it in the first period. And from then on, I think that goal by Dillard obviously helped at the end of the first, got it to 2-1, and then you could just see our game started coming in the second period." The win keeps the Rebels alive in the series, sending them back to Prince Albert on Friday, April 3, for Game 5 of the best-of-seven showdown, with the Raiders holding a 3-1 series edge. Stats Story: Matthew Kondro (RD) - 35 saves, win Cameron Dillard (RD) - 2 goals Beckett Hamilton (RD) - 1 goal, 1 assist How it Happened: The Raiders came out swinging and five minutes in, Brandon Gorzynski capitalized on a deflection from a blocked shot to beat Kondro and put the Raiders on the board. Prince Albert doubled their lead when Daxon Rudolph blasted home a point shot six seconds into a Raiders power play. But the Rebels weren't about to let the night slip away. With seconds left in the first, Cameron Dillard ripped a shot from the left point through traffic and past Raiders netminder Michal Orsulak. The blast gave Dillard his first goal as a Rebel. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2039523206500139327 The second period saw more magic from Dillard as his shot from the right point glanced off two Raiders defenders and in for a 2-2 score. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2039528945704632641 Connor Howe answered for the Raiders, finishing a pass from Ben Harvey to put Prince Albert back on top, 3-2. Red Deer reclaimed momentum when Beckett Hamilton weaved around the circle and fired a sharp shot that trickled past Orsulak. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2039533810820497748 With the season on the line, and the score knotted at three apiece, it all came down to the final frame. Early in the third, Kalder Varga lit the crowd on fire, cashing in on a powerplay opportunity from the slot. https://twitter.com/Rebelshockey/status/2039541923464282257 The Rebels with the 4-3 lead, the game shifted into a defensive battle. As the Rebels put their bodies on the line, Kondro was rock-solid with 35 saves, while Orsulak made nine stops to keep the scoreboard honest. Special teams played a role in the win as Red Deer converted on one-of-three powerplay chances, while the Raiders managed just one-of-six. Prince Albert outshot Red Deer 38-13 and were held to 1-for-6 on power plays while the Rebels were 1-for-3. Brandt Three Stars 1. Matthew Kondro (RD) 2. Beckett Hamilton (RD) 3. Cameron Dillard (RD) What They Said: Marc Habscheid Kalder Varga Notes: Rebels defenceman Graeme Pickering suited up for his first WHL Playoff game ... Rebels scratches for the game were Noah Chadi, Poul Andersen and Matej Mikes, along with affiliate players Chace Turchak, Cash Arcand-Vandale and Nolan Wolitski ... Attendance at the Marchant Crane Centrium was 3,052. Next up: Back to Prince Albert go the Rebels for Game 5 at the Art Houser Centre with a 7 p.m. puck drop Friday, April 3 (REWIND 106.7/Victory+).

Rebels on the brink after game three loss

Troy Gillard — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:28:53 +0000

RED DEER - The Red Deer Rebels hit the ice with fire in their eyes on Tuesday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium, looking to answer back against the Prince Albert Raiders, but came up short in a 4-2 loss in game three of their first-round WHL playoff series. The Rebels head into game four on Wednesday, April 1 looking to keep their season alive as the Raiders lead the best-of-seven series 3-0. "Our goal is to still support our players and try to help them find ways to win," explained Rebels head coach Marc Habscheid. "We'll go through some video now see what we can correct, and see if there's any cracks in their armour that we can take advantage of. We'll lace 'em up tomorrow for sure. These guys are a good group, character group, and we'll show up tomorrow and we expect to win." Stats Story: Alisher Sarkenov (PA) - 2 goals Aiden Oiring (PA) - 1 goal, 1 assist Nate Yellowaga (RD) - 2 assists How it Happened: Prince Albert opened the scoring as Alisher Sarkenov buried a rebound past Matthew Kondro to make it 1-0. Red Deer answered on the powerplay. Poul Andersen threaded a slap pass to Patrick Sopiarz, who was waiting crease-side to tip it past Raiders netminder Michal Orsulak. Just three minutes later, back on the man advantage, the Rebels grabbed their first lead of the series. Kalder Varga from the bottom of the circle buried the go-ahead goal. With a minute to go in the period, chaos erupted in front of the Rebels net. Amid the scramble, Sarkenov found the puck once again and found the net for his second goal of the game. The game remained tied until late into period two when a close call went in favour of the Raiders to give them the lead. It appeared that Kondro had made a spectacular, desperation save on Prince Albert's Aiden Oiring. But after video review, the on-ice call was overturned and the Raiders took a one-goal lead into period three. The third period saw the pace slow, but the fight never wavered. The Raiders eventually put in an empty-net goal in the dying seconds. Both netminders stood tall throughout the contest, with Kondro stopping 22 and Orsulak denying 18. Red Deer made the most of their opportunities, going 2-for-4 on the powerplay for a 50-per cent conversion rate, while the Raiders were held off the board twice on the man advantage. Brandt Three Stars 1. Alisher Sarkenov (PA) 2. Nate Yellowaga (RD) 3. Jonah Sivertson (PA) What They Said: Marc Habscheid Notes: Rebels scratches for the game were Noah Chadi and Matej Mikes, along with affiliate players Chace Turchak, Cash Arcand-Vandale, Nolan Wolitski and Graeme Pickering ... Poul Andersen left the game in the second period after crashing into the Raiders net and did not return ... Attendance at the Marchant Crane Centrium was 3,021. Next up: The Red Deer Rebels will look to make it loud at the Marchant Crane Centrium once more on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. as they go back-to-back at home against the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 4 of the best-of-seven series (TICKETS).

Rebels blanked in game two in Prince Albert

Troy Gillard — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:58:53 +0000

PRINCE ALBERT - After hanging in there through 20 minutes, things turned in the middle frame as the Red Deer Rebels fell 6-0 to the Prince Albert Raiders Saturday night at the Art Hauser Centre. Prince Albert now holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series. The Rebels return home looking to respond, with the series returning to the Marchant Crane Centrium on Tuesday, March 31. Stats Story: Daxon Rudolph (PA) - 1 goal, 2 assists Brayden Dube (PA) - 2 goals Ben Harvey (PA) - 1 goal, 1 assist How it Happened: A scoreless opening frame gave way to a decisive middle period Saturday night. The Prince Albert Raider broke things open in the second, striking five times to take firm control of the game. Brock Cripps opened the scoring on the powerplay, slipping one through Matthew Kondro. Ben Harvey followed minutes later, before a shorthanded marker from Daxon Rudolph pushed the lead to three. The Raiders continued to capitalize with the man advantage, as Riley Boychuk and Brayden Dube added power-play goals to extend the gap. In the third, Dube struck again to cap the scoring, as Peyton Shore came on in relief of Kondro. Kondro turned aside 30 shots, while Shore was perfect in brief action. At the other end, Michal Orsulak was not cracked, stopping all 13 shots he faced. The Rebels went 0-for-3 on the powerplay, while Prince Albert converted three times on six opportunities. Brandt Three Stars 1. Brayden Dube (PA) 2. Daxon Rudolph (PA) 3. Connor Howe (PA) Notes: Rebels scratches for the game were Noah Chadi and Grayden Peterson, along with affiliate players Chace Turchak, Cash Arcand-Vandale and Nolan Wolitski ... Attendance at the Art Hauser Center was 2,997 Next up: Red Deer Rebels look to turn the tables back at home as they head to the Marchant Crane Centrium for Game three against the Prince Albert Raiders for a 7 p.m. start on Tuesday, March 31 (TICKETS).