Cole Peardon was getting ready to play a game when he learned he had been traded to the Red Deer Rebels.
The 18-year-old centre had spent his whole Western Hockey League career with the Prince Albert Raiders, since being selected 13th overall by the club in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Rebels owner, president and general manager Brent Sutter announced the team had acquired Peardon in exchange for fellow 18-year-old forward Evan Smith.
"I'm really excited to be here. It's a great team and organization here," Peardon said two days after the trade.
"I think my game fits in well here. They play a hard, physical, fast game. It'll be really good for me to be a part of it."
Peardon said he hopes his speed, physical play and shot will be a boost to the Rebels.
"I think I'll be able to make a difference," he said, adding he's become a reliable player since entering the WHL.
"The biggest thing is getting your coach to trust you in the D zone. Now I need to take the next step in scoring and getting some offensive chances."
In 16 games this season, Peardon has one goal and two assists. He had 15 points in 59 games last season and nine points in 51 games in 2022-23.
An Outlook, Sask. native, Peardon said he's already familiar with a couple of Rebels players from his home province.
"I've got a couple buddies on the team already in Chase Wutzke and Trae Wilke. That'll help a ton. ... It made the transition a lot easier knowing them," he said.
Rebels head coach David Struch said he expects Peardon to bring energy to the Rebels lineup.
"He skates well, he shoots the puck well. It's a great opportunity to add depth to our organization and for him to be part of what we do here as a Red Deer Rebel," said Struch.
"As things sit right now, he'll be playing up the middle for us. We'll see how things go from there."
The Rebels lineup was decimated with injuries last week. Red Deer entered its game on Saturday, Dec. 7 without Matteo Fabrizi, Ollie Josephson, Jhett Larsen and Carson Birnie. Then Rebels defenceman Mayo left the game early and did not return.
Struch said when stretches like this occur, he wants to see his team have a "next man up" mentality.
"(Injuries) give whoever is able to play an opportunity to take on a bigger role — not that their role changes too much, but they're able to get more ice time and opportunity to have a bigger impact on a win or a shift," said Struch.
"It's great for the development of your organization, team and individuals. We do hope to have some guys back."
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Rebels will host its annual Teddy Bear and Toque Toss night. During the game against the Kamloops Blazers, fans are asked to toss items, such as toques, mittens, scarves, socks and teddy bears, onto the ice after Red Deer scores its first goal. These items will then be collected and donated to the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.
"It's exciting for the fans. It's for a great cause and it's great to see the fans getting involved in our game. When you look at what the energy they provide for us, this is that much more for them. It's exciting to be a part of," Struch said.
There will be items available for purchase at the game for $5 in case attendees forget or aren't able to bring their own items. Christmas Bureau volunteers will wearing red plaid aprons.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Peavey Mart Centrium.
The Rebels will also host the Swift Current Broncos on Tuesday, Dec. 17, with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
