Rebels ready to rock the Complex in season opener
By Castlegar Source
Hockey fans, rejoice!
The Castlegar Rebels are already on the ice, preparing for the season opener in two weeks, on home ice at the Complex Sept. 11 and 12.
This season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a new roster of blade runners determined to bring the championship home to Castlegar.
Rebels general manager and head coach Brent Heaven said 14 of last year’s players have moved on, graduating from the league, heading to college, or having been drafted by Jr. A teams.
“We’re definitely excited to work with some new young talent, and help them get up to the next level,” he said, adding that four of last year’s players have already signed with Williams Lake, while 12 others are at Jr. A camps right this moment, vying for their shot at hockey’s next benchmark.
The Rebels’ own training camp began over the weekend, and Heaven said that, while the roster isn’t firm yet, there’s plenty of up-and-coming players promising exciting action in the weeks and months to come.
“When a parent looks at a team they truly want to see their son on, they look for one that’s going to help them develop not only in hockey, but in everything,” he said, explaining that a balanced focus that includes education and overall success – as well as hockey – has made the Rebels a very desirable team, which translates to getting the pick of some very impressive players. “We do a lot of work with the high school and Selkirk College, and we’ve definitely done some good things to give our players the opportunities to pursue their careers. Obviously, it’s (an approach that’s) working for us.”
For more information or to see this year’s game schedule, visit www.castlegarrebels.com
In related news, former Rebels and Nelson resident Evan Bloodoff was drafted to the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes.
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