https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/tag/terence-robertson/ Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:41:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 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.]]> 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]]> 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 ]]> 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.]]> 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.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/lisy-slovakia-5-nations Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:42:05 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/lisy-slovakia-5-nations th overall in round two of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. He suited up in 62 games and had 22 points, including five goals and 17 assists. The native of Bratislava, Slovakia played for his country at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Minnesota. He previously represented his country at the U16 and U18 levels. Lisy will report to the Rebels following the completion of the Five Nations tournament.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/carstar-drive-for-success Tue, 11 Aug 2026 21:51:57 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/carstar-drive-for-success CARSTAR are teaming up to host a school supply drive! Drop off school supply donations at participating CARSTAR locations from August 10–31 and help our future all-stars start the school year strong. There are two great CARSTAR locations in Red Deer... 4517 54 Avenue 498 McCoy Drive #1]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/former-rebels-forward-chris-douglas-to-play-pro-in-slovenia Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:09:00 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/former-rebels-forward-chris-douglas-to-play-pro-in-slovenia HK Olimpija Ljubljana (Olimpija Ljubljana Hockey Club), a professional ice hockey club from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Douglas, who hails from Richmond, BC, played 250 games for the Rebels from 2016-21. He recorded 98 points and 184 penalty minutes in those games and competed in 13 playoff contests with the club. After graduating from the Rebels, Douglas put his WHL Scholarship to great use as he played five seasons in U-Sports with the UBC Thunderbirds. He was the club’s captain for four seasons and had 120 points in 124 career games, adding 19 points in 25 playoff games. Douglas helped the Thunderbirds win the Canada West conference title in 2023-24. Douglas made the jump to pro hockey earlier this year after graduating from UBC. He joined the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans in March, recording one point in 11 games and playing in two playoff games. HK Olimpija Ljubljana competes in the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) and the Slovenian Championship. Olimpija has won the Slovenian Championship six times since being founded in 2004, including in 2026. Former Rebels forward and Red Deer native Josh Tarzwell, a former teammate of Douglas, is headed to Scotland to play for the Glasgow Clan of the EIHL this season.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/zeb-lindgren-signs-with-rebels Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:27:14 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/zeb-lindgren-signs-with-rebels RED DEER – The Red Deer Rebels are excited to announce that Swedish defenceman Zeb Lindgren has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the team. Lindgren was selected by the Rebels with the 24^th overall pick in round one of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. He was selected by the New York Rangers in round five of the 2025 NHL Draft. Lindgren hails from Umeå, Sweden and played last season for Skelleftea AIK in the country’s top U20 league. He was the team’s captain and had 19 points in 36 games, including six goals and 13 assists. Lindgren also appeared in two games in Sweden’s top professional league, the SHL. “He’s a real heady player, a smart player who was an NHL draft pick of the (New York) Rangers last year, so he fit what we were looking for,” said Rebels Owner, President and General Manager Brent Sutter. “He speaks good English and has leadership abilities as he was captain of his team in Sweden. That kind of character is nice.” The six-foot-one, 198-pound blue liner represented Sweden at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2025 World Junior A Challenge, winning medals at both events. Zeb Lindgren Defence Hometown: Umeå, Sweden Date of Birth: April 14, 2007 (Age 19) Height: 6’1 Weight: 198 Shoots: Left 2025-26 Team: Skellefteå AIK U20]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/danny-ramazanov-signs-with-rebels Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:28:55 +0000 Troy Gillard https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/danny-ramazanov-signs-with-rebels RED DEER – The Red Deer Rebels are excited to announce that forward Danel (Danny) Ramazanov has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the team. Ramazanov was selected by the Rebels in round one, 17^th overall at the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. Originally from Kazakhstan, the Saskatoon, SK resident led the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) U15 Prep in scoring in 2025-26 with 26 goals and 58 points in 29 games. He racked up eight points in six games at the prestigious John Reid Memorial tournament. “He’s an exciting player with the ability to score highlight reel goals and make plays at very, very high speed. He makes everyone around him better and is very competitive for an average size guy,” said Jamie Novakoski, Rebels Director of Player Personnel. “We anticipate him to be a top six forward and score some big goals for us down the road.” Ramazanov will be at Rebels Training Camp this month and is slated to play U18 AAA this season with the Saskatoon Blazers. Danny Ramazanov Forward Shoots: Left Height: 5’9 Weight: 155 Birthdate: Jul 22, 2011 Hometown: Saskatoon, SK Last Team: Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep Nationality: Kazakhstani]]>