Red Deer Rebels - Feed https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/tag/jace-weir/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 03:44:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 2026 Black and White Game — Team Rosters https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-black-and-white-game-team-rosters Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:24:23 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-black-and-white-game-team-rosters ]]> Madill showing elite smarts, skill at Rebels Training Camp https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/madill-showing-elite-smarts-skill-at-rebels-training-camp Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:26:19 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/madill-showing-elite-smarts-skill-at-rebels-training-camp By DANNY RODE - When the Red Deer Rebels signed Paxson Madill last June they knew the 16-year-old from Hermantown, MN., had all the ingredients to make this year’s roster. He has the speed, quickness, vision and hockey IQ to play in the WHL. The only thing he lacks is size, being listed at five-foot-eight, 145-pounds. “That’s a goal to get a little bigger,” he said. “But I try to play big, make plays and make everyone around me better.” He also has a solid defensive instinct for a younger player. “That was embedded in me,” he said. “My coaches in the past instilled in me to play well in the defensive zone. You can’t win without defence.” Those qualities have been evident during the Rebels Training Camp, which ends Tuesday with the annual Black and White game at 7 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Madill is making his second trip to the Rebels camp after being drafted in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2025 WHL US Priority Draft. “It’s going good,” he said. “After being here last year you get to know things a little more.” Still, he did come with his parents. “I am at a billets now and my parents are at a hotel, but it still makes it a little more comfortable,” he added. Also, the fact he comes in this year after signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement also helps him feel more at home. “It certainly makes it easier with that under my belt.” Rebels director of U.S. scouting, Chase Fuchs, has spent time watching Madill and has been impressed. “We are excited to get Paxson signed. High hockey IQ and compete level are what we look for in a player,” Fuchs said in a statement after he signed. “He is a great kid from a great family who earned this opportunity and everything he has achieved, and we are excited about his future with us.” It was his family that got him into the sport. “Growing up my brothers played, so I’m from a hockey family,” he said. Paxson played minor hockey in Hermantown and this year played with the Hermantown Hawks high school team where he accumulated 34 points on 11 goals and 23 assists in 27 games. He also played in a high performance camp and for the second time attended a USA Development camp. This time for 16-year-olds. “It’s a national camp in New York where you can compete for a spot to play at high tournaments,” he explained. Paxson is following in the footsteps of several Americans who are moving North to play in the CHL. “I was drafted and with the new NCAA rules this is a good league to play in and a lot of Americans are coming up here,” he said. “I know a lot of the guys so it does make it more comfortable.” Despite going through the camp last year, this year is still impressive, he says. “It’s very noticeable from high school. It’s a lot faster and the guys overall are bigger.” Yet overall Madill fits right in and has a great opportunity to be around after this weekend. “I haven’t talked with anyone recently but I think I have a good chance ... that’s the plan,” he said. “I know I’m super excited.” One other thing Paxson, who played soccer up until “ a couple of years ago” should get to do a few times before winter hits is play some golf. “That’s my other sport,” he said. And once winter does arrive it won’t be a big surprise to him. “The environment is very similar to home,” said Madill, who will take his Grade 11 online through Minnesota. --- The Rebels open their preseason schedule Friday in Calgary against the Hitmen. The teams return to the Marchant Crane Centrium Saturday at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are available at the door for $10. The Rebels travel to Lethbridge to face the Hurricanes next Thursday and finish preseason play at home Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. against the Edmonton Oil Kings. The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season kicks off Friday, Sept. 18 at Calgary followed by the Red Deer Advocate Home Opener Saturday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. against Edmonton.]]> 2026 WHL Graduates: Red Deer Rebels https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-whl-graduates-red-deer-rebels Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:18:26 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-whl-graduates-red-deer-rebels Talon Brigley (F) Hometown: Red Deer, Alta.
WHL Career Stats: 329 GP – 62 G-67 A – 129 points
WHL Draft: 2020 – Second Round, 24th Overall (Red Deer Rebels) Every WHL game is filled with kids who dream of one day representing their hometown team. Just ask Talon Brigley. The Red Deer native has had the unique honour of being drafted by and playing his entire major junior career for his hometown team. The 5-foot-11, 176-pound forward made his debut against Calgary on September 16, 2021, and went on to pick up 14 points (8G-6A) in his first WHL campaign. Those totals would grow- he'd hit the 20-goal mark twice- but what truly set Brigley apart was his ironman reputation. Over five seasons, he only missed 11 games he was eligible for and played a full 68-game schedule twice. With 329 regular-season games played, Brigley has set a franchise record for most games played, shattering the previous record of 302, which was set by another Red Deer product, Jonathan Zukiwsky, back in 1997-98. He also ranks third in games played among all active WHL skaters. Brigley scored 129 points (62G-67A) over that span, in addition to four trips to the WHL Playoffs. He was honoured as the 29th captain in team history on October 2, 2025, and scored a goal and an assist in his final regular-season game against the Medicine Hat Tigers. Brigley graduates with 129 points (62G-67A) over five seasons. Tyson Yaremko (F) Hometown: Saskatoon, Sask.
WHL Career Stats: 127 GP – 27 G-32 A – 59 points
WHL Draft: 2020 – Fourth Round, 68th Overall (Swift Current Broncos) 6-foot, 181-pound Tyson Yaremko showed plenty of perseverance in the face of adversity over his WHL career. He played just one game for the Swift Current Broncos in 2021-22 before returning to his U18AAA squad for the 2022-23 season. But a trade to Portland in August of 2023 changed everything. Yaremko contributed 14 points (4G-10A) in 58 games in his first full WHL season as the powerhouse Winterhawks dominated the Western Conference. The 2024 WHL Playoffs saw the Hawks march to the WHL Championship Series, with Yaremko chipping in a pair of goals (including an important marker in Game 3 of the final) and an assist in 18 games. Despite being limited to 35 games due to injury the following year, Yaremko blossomed with a career-best 30 points (14G-16A), scoring at a .86 points-per-game clip. Yaremko split his final season between Portland and Red Deer after being acquired by the Rebels at the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline. He contributed 12 points (7G-5A) over 21 games in Central Alberta, and now prepares to return home to represent the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Aleksey Chichkin (D) Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
WHL Career Stats: 182 GP – 10 G-28 A – 38 points
WHL Draft: 2020 – Listed (Calgary Hitmen) Hard-nosed defender Aleksey Chichkin always made his presence known when he was on the ice. The 6-foot-5, 221-pound rearguard broke into the league as an undrafted free agent for the Calgary Hitmen in 2023-24- and promptly got dinged with 17 penalty minutes in his WHL debut. He was picked up by the Regina Pats in September of 2024 and scored seven points (3G-4A) in 32 games for the club before being scooped up by the B.C. Division's Prince George Cougars and played his first postseason matches with the Cats, picking up an assist in seven games in the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Chichkin, from Vancouver, B.C., played parts of two seasons in his home province before the Rebels called his name in October of 2025 in hopes of returning to the playoffs. His Red Deer tenure saw him register a career-high 16 points (4G-12A) and 71 penalty minutes in 52 outings. Chichkin wraps up his major junior career with 38 points (10G-28A) and 242 PIMs in 182 regular-season contests.]]> McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective: Red Deer Rebels https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/mcsweeneys-whl-community-collective-red-deer-rebels-3 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:12:04 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/mcsweeneys-whl-community-collective-red-deer-rebels-3 courage. Courage to speak up. Courage to do the right thing. Courage to use their platform for good. The team has a longstanding partnership with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, a not-for-profit organization designed to help children, youth and families experiencing abuse seek help and find resources during difficult times. RCMP and Children & Family Services can refer people in need to CACAC, which can build a collaborative response encompassing everything from forensic interviews in a supportive environment to court preparation and accompaniment to trauma referral and mental health support. Each October, the Rebels participate in the CACAC's Go Blue Campaign as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosting CACAC volunteers at a game and attending the facility's annual open house at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence. According to the CACAC, one in three Canadians have experienced a form of child abuse. "One in three is a staggering statistic," Rebels Vice-President, Marketing and Sales Dean Williams said. " Not only do we want to change those numbers, but we want to show our young players the effects of child abuse firsthand. We obviously want to develop good hockey players, but we also want our players to become great citizens in whatever communities they end up in after their playing days... Volunteering, helping shed light on an issue, spending your time to help where you are able.  Even if you become a famous NHLer, or you end up being a doctor or a business owner in your hometown, giving back is tremendously rewarding and beneficial to those you help."
On October 25, 2025, the CACAC was out in full force for Red Deer's match against Regina, with an extra-special guest on hand for the ceremonial puck drop- CACAC's accredited facility dog, Quinn, who is trained to support individuals in schools, courthouses, hospitals and care facilities.
The team looks forward to teaming up with the CACAC for the next Go Blue Day in 2026 and hopes to remind people throughout Central Alberta that it takes a team to raise awareness and amplify voices in hopes of ending child abuse.
The Western Hockey League strives to promote and foster a welcoming environment in communities close to our 23 clubs in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Every team has the creative freedom to allow their players and staff to work with the organizations and groups that they are most passionate about. The end goal is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships and ongoing partnerships within their community. Through the McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective, we aim to highlight these outstanding initiatives done by each club throughout the season.
]]> Ward looking to keep family tradition alive with Rebels https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/ward-looking-to-keep-family-tradition-alive-with-rebels Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:34:00 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/ward-looking-to-keep-family-tradition-alive-with-rebels By DANNY RODE - It would seem only right that if Landen Ward was to play in the WHL for his last year of junior eligibility it would be with the Red Deer Rebels. After all, both his dad, Lance, and older brother, Mason, played with the Rebels. Lance joined the Rebels in the 1994-95 season and spent four years with the team before turning pro. Mason, who is in his fourth year with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, played the 2019-20 and ‘20-’21 seasons with the Rebels. “It would be cool with both of them having played here and I’ve been around the Rebels organization my whole life,” said Landen. Not only is his family part of the Rebels alumni, but “my family moved to Red Deer three years ago.” He was drafted in the fourth round, 83rd overall, in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft by the Lethbridge Hurricanes while he was playing in his hometown Lloydminster. Ward played one game as a 16-year-old with the Hurricanes in 2022-23 under then head coach Brent Kisio, now with the Rebels. “So, I knew him a little bit,” said Ward, who happened to play that one game in Red Deer against the Rebels. Ward spent the following season with the Hurricanes and started the 2024-25 year there before being traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors. “Coming here this year I do know what to expect,” he said. Ward also moved around a bit last season. He started with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL before finishing with the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AJHL. “I was released by Moose Jaw and joined Victoria,” he explained. “They traded me to Surrey, so I decided to come home and finish the second half with Lloyd.” Rebels' owner/president/General Manager Brent Sutter invited him to camp this year, and he admits he’s enjoying it. “It’s been a good couple of days, getting to know the guys,” he said. “It also has been a little different than junior A, as there’s lots of speed, it’s competitive and a higher pace.” The six-foot-four, 210-pound 20-year-old winger has never been known for his offensive skills. “I’m more of a big, physical forward who plays both ways,” he said. “I’m not afraid to get into the dirty areas, do what I can away from the puck and to make plays when needed.” He did all that during a scrimmage game Sunday. Setting up a goal and getting into a fight. The cool thing was he stayed on the ice after the fight for his regular shift. “It was good not going into the box,” he said with a laugh. Ward will know in the next couple of days whether he takes the next step with the Rebels and gets into preseason games. “My goal is to make it the preseason and then hopefully crack the starting roster for the regular season,” he said. Ward is one of two overage (2006-born) players at Rebels camp along with Luc Trevor of Okotoks, who played last season with the Calgary Hitmen. The Rebels camp finishes Monday with the final scrimmage at 4:30 p.m. They play the annual Black and White game Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Fans are urged to bring a donation for the Red Deer Food Bank or to Carstar Drive for Success school supplies campaign. Preseason play opens Friday when the Rebels visit the Calgary Hitmen at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex (7 p.m). The Rebels host the Hitmen this Saturday, September 6 at the Marchant Crane Centrium at 6 p.m. General admission tickets for that game are $10 available at the door. ]]> Pickering ready to put improved strength to the test https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/pickering-ready-to-put-improved-strength-to-the-test Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:41:09 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/pickering-ready-to-put-improved-strength-to-the-test th overall in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, had a tough season on the ice last year. Not because of his play, rather it was because of injuries. “I was hurt a couple of times, which was disappointing,” he said. “That took me out most of the year, but I think I made the most of it. I still worked out almost every day, and I put on 20 pounds during that time. So, it paid off and I made a decent situation out of a bad situation.” He did play 29 games with the Flyers, scoring twice and adding 15 helpers. He played four playoff games before a return call to the Rebels. He got a chance to be around the team in the playoffs and dressed for a pair of games against the Prince Albert Raiders. “That was definitely nice,” he said. “It was challenging hockey, quick paced but it was nice to get a couple of playoffs games under my belt and yes it was a challenge.” Besides returning home last year to add size and strength, the smooth-skating rearguard had one other thing on his mind. “I learned the most important thing is to play in the D zone first. I’m more of an offensive player but I have to be solid in the defensive zone before I can go up in the offensive zone. That was something I worked on too.” Pickering showed some of his skills as the Rebels opened camp Friday. “It’s nice to be back,” added Pickering, who will take his Grade 12 this year. “It was a quick summer but really nice to be back.” He teamed with the Zeb Lindgren for the first scrimmage. Lindgren was selected in this year’s Import Draft and was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. “He is a real good player, a good skater, very quick,” said Pickering. “It was bit of a challenge for me to keep up with him, but I thought it went well., Next game we’ll be on the same page.” The veterans scrimmage again Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. and Monday at 4:30 p.m. The rookies have two scrimmages Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and one Monday at 8 a.m. The veterans and rookies will be combined for the annual Black and White Game on Tuesday at 7 p.m. with the Mikel McIver Cup up for grabs. Fans are asked to donate to the Red Deer Food Bank and the CARSTAR school supplies campaign.]]> 2026 Training Camp – Rookie Rosters https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-training-camp-rookie-rosters Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:38:04 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-training-camp-rookie-rosters CLICK HERE for Main Camp rosters CLICK HERE for Training Camp schedule]]> 2026 Training Camp – Main Rosters https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-training-camp-main-rosters Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:26:48 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-training-camp-main-rosters CLICK HERE for Training Camp schedule ]]> Excitement level high as Rebels Training Camp begins https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/excitement-level-high-as-rebels-training-camp-begins Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:09:26 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/excitement-level-high-as-rebels-training-camp-begins By DANNY RODE - Brent Kisio couldn’t have been more excited as he stepped up to the mic for his first press conference with the Red Deer Rebels. The new head coach of the WHL squad had to smile as he indicated he had settled in and was ready to open camp this week. “It’s exciting to be around the rink and be part of the Rebels organization. I’ve been around this city for a long time, growing up around here, and it’s fun to be part of it.” Kisio arrived in the city this month and quickly began setting the stage for the season. “We’ve been working hard already, establishing our structure, our structure and work ethic,” he said. “It’s exciting to start seeing the veterans coming in, the young guys too. For me it’s getting to recognize the faces and meeting all the guys.” He had the chance to meet several veterans fact-to-face, and has talked with newly appointed captain Beckett Hamilton. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about him,” he stressed. “He plays the game hard and the plays it the right way. He’ll be a great captain.” He’s also had an opportunity to meet his coaching staff, all of whom have returned from last season. “They are a really good group. I’ll be leaning on them a lot.” A talented rookie crop will be arriving Friday with scrimmages beginning Saturday. “I’ve heard a lot about them and I’m excited to see them. They worked hard all summer, and you want to see them apply that to the ice and see how they have grown as a player. Hopefully some players have taken big steps.” For Kisio the camp will be the first steps in introducing his style of play. “I want a team that works hard, is an offensive team that transitions quick and plays fast. I want a physical team. I think Red Deer is known to be a physical organization, a hard-working one and that’s what this city stands for and we want to make our fans proud and bring that here as an organization.” Kisio has a long coaching history in the WHL, spending eight years as an assistant coach with the Calgary Hitman and his father Kelly, and eight years as head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. So he knows a thing or two about the league, but he also has been away for three years as an assistant coach with the AHL Henderson Silver Knights. “I’ve been in the league for a long time, but there is more uncertainty now,” said the 43-year-old. “There’s more Americans coming in, who can make an impact, and a lot of different players who can impact the league in different ways. So, we’ll see where we stand.” Brent did have to laugh when asked about wearing the Rebels hoodie. “I think a lot of my former players wouldn’t like this look.” He added that he grew up not exactly liking the Rebels. “I grew to hate this organization because I respected it,” he said. “There were a lot of battles, a lot of playoff battles and that came respect.” He added that he wants to uphold the team’s standards as he returns to the city his dad played in with the old Red Deer Rustlers Junior A team. “That’s part of it. It does feel like I’m coming home.” The fact Brent coached pro for three years he can take that knowledge onto the ice. “It takes a lot to make the NHL. There’s nothing easy about it. So, I know what the kids need to do to reach that next level and I know it can end quick.” Unlike last year when the veterans and rookies were on combined teams at camp, the format has gone back to separate main and rookie camp squads. Veterans register Wednesday at the Marchant Crane Centrium before jumping into fitness testing at the rink and RDP. They have on-ice fitness Friday morning before scrimmaging at 4 p.m. Rookies arrive Friday and have two scrimmages Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and one Monday at 8 a.m. The veterans scrimmage Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. and Monday at 4:30 p.m. The veterans and rookies will be combined for the annual Black and White Game on Tuesday at 7 p.m. with the Mikel McIver Cup up for grabs. Fans are asked to donate to the Food Bank and the CARSTAR Drive for Success school supplies campaign.]]> 2026 Training Camp Schedule https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-training-camp-schedule Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:20:09 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/2026-training-camp-schedule RED DEER – The Red Deer Rebels are excited to announce the schedule for their 2026 Training Camp. Players report for registration on Wednesday, August 26, before taking part in off-ice fitness testing at Red Deer Polytechnic. On-ice testing is set for Thursday morning. Practice and scrimmage sessions at the Marchant Crane Centrium begin Friday. Rookie Camp starts with registration Friday with scrimmages starting Saturday. All practices and scrimmages through Monday, August 31 are open to the public. Times throughout camp are subject to change. 2026 Training Camp wraps up Tuesday, Sept. 1 with the Black and White Game at 7 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium with the winning team being presented the Mikel McIver Cup. Fans attending the Black and White Game are encouraged to bring donations for the Red Deer Food Bank or CARSTAR Drive for Success school supplies campaign. Fans can also check out Season Seats that are available for the 2026-27 season. The Rebels Authentix team store will also be open during 2026 Training Camp giving fans their first chance to load up on fresh gear for the new season. Training Camp Store Hours Saturday, August 29 – 9 a.m. to Noon Sunday, August 30 – 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 1 – Starting at 6 p.m. for Black & White Game Training Camp On-ice Schedule Friday, August 28 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Main Scrimmage Saturday, August 29 9:30 am – 11:00 am Rookie Scrimmage 11:15 am – 12:30 pm Main Practice – Group A 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Rookie Scrimmage 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Main Scrimmage Sunday, August 30 8:00 am – 9:15 am Main Practice – Group A 9:30 am – 10:45 am Rookie Scrimmage 11:15am – 12:30pm Main Practice – Group B 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Rookie Scrimmage 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Main Scrimmage Monday, August 31 8:00 am – 9:15 am Rookie Scrimmage 9:45 am – 10:45 am Main Practice – Group B 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Main Practice – Group A 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Main Scrimmage Tuesday, September 1 7:00 pm Black vs White Game Following the conclusion of Training Camp, the Rebels will play four preseason games (click here for schedule). The Red Deer Rebels being their 35th season of Western Hockey League play when they visit the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday, September 18 followed by the Red Deer Advocate Home Opener at the Marchant Crane Centrium Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m. versus the Oil Kings. Tickets for this and all Rebels home games this season are available through Tickets Alberta.]]>