The Red Deer Rebels open their Western Hockey League training camp, with on-ice sessions, Aug. 28 at the Centrium.
Seventy-three players are expected to be on hand with all training sessions open to the public.
“Really looking forward to it, ready to get going,” said Red Deer Rebles head coach and general manager Jesse Wallin. “Summer is starting to feel like it’s over and I’m excited to get the boys back and I’m really looking forward to getting out again for sure.”
The McDonald’s Black and White game goes Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Centrium. Tickets are available at all Red Deer McDonalds, beginning Monday, or fans can also donate a toonie at the door to the Red Deer Fire Fighters Athletic Fund. The Rebels will play six exhibition games, beginning Sept, 4 against Prince George at 11 a.m. at St. Albert. They also meet the Swift Current Broncos Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. at St. Albert before clashing with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Innisfail.
They meet the Calgary Hitmen, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in Calgary, face the Edmonton Oil Kings at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in Lacombe and the Medicine Hat Tigers Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Stettler.
A couple of Rebels players — Daulton Siwak and Mathew Dumba — have had a head start on camo this summer. Both were among the prospects taking part in the NHL Research and Development Camp this week in Toronto and Dumba also captained Team Canada to gold at the Ivan Hlinka U-18 tournament last week.
“It’s a great experience for those guys,” said Wallin.
“For Matty playing in the U-18 Worlds and having a very good tournament . . . these are opportunities that play a huge role in a player’s development. It’s a very high level, you’re playing against the top players your own age and it’s kind of over and above the daily routine. It’s a huge development opportunity in those things.
“The R and D camp is a little bit different but I think with both of those guys your in a group of elite players and they both come back with some confidence and good experiences out of that that they can carry into their own seasons. I am excited for both of them.”