It’s taken some time for Red Deer Rebels rookie Beckett Hamilton to adjust to the Western Hockey League (WHL) game but he’s already feeling more comfortable.
The soon-to-be 16-year-old from Humboldt, Sask. appeared in his first two WHL games within the last week.
The Rebels first-round selection in last year’s WHL prospects Draft made his debut on March 15 in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes followed by his second game in Swift Current against the Broncos.
“It’s been super fun,” Hamilton said on Friday. “It’s a bit different than what I’m used to. It’s a tougher schedule it’s a lot busier but I’ve enjoyed it.
“I’ve noticed possession-wise everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to. The pace is quicker and everyone’s bigger and stronger so that’s the main thing I’ve noticed so far.”
Even though he’s only played two games in the WHL, Hamilton is no stranger to the league.
His father Lee played for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers, and Kelowna Rockets from 1993-97. He’s also a great-nephew to Kelowna Rockets Owner, President, and General Manager Bruce Hamilton.
The youngster was called up to the Rebels to help them get through a stretch of injuries in their lineup and has yet to record his first point. However, it’s tough to expect more from a 15-year-old who’s just dipping his toes in major junior hockey.
“I think I’ve been doing good. As I’ve been here longer I’ve noticed it’s made some changes in my game and I think I’m getting more comfortable with it,” he said.
In his WHL debut, Hamilton stepped out on the ice for the first time in Lethbridge as he did a few laps to warm up.
In hockey, it’s a long-standing tradition to do a few laps by yourself in your first game but he didn’t mind, especially with family in attendance.
“I was a little nervous but it was pretty cool to play in an arena with that many fans,” he said. “My dad was actually there watching so it was pretty cool because I knew he played in that arena too.”
Hamilton had just finished up a fantastic offensive campaign with the U18 AAA Warman Wildcats of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League (SMAAHL) notching 54 points in 44 games, which was seventh best in the league. He also added three points in five playoff games.
“I think we did good except for playoffs. I think we could have gone a little bit further but it happens. We were a pretty good team,” he added.
There’s no doubt he’s developed a great offensive side to his game but he said he continues to round out the rest of his game so he’s ready for any opportunity that comes his way.
“My offensive side is definitely my strength and I just try to produce for the team, sore goals as much as I can,” he said.
“[I think my time here] could be super useful for me just to see what it’s like to play here and hopefully I can play here next year.”
Rebels interim head coach Dave Struch explained he’d seen Hamilton play as a young kid before taking the coaching job in Red Deer.
“He was a special player and to see where he’s come to with his development through the SMAAHL and then now having experienced a training camp here. The last game he played he could of played a regular shift,” Struch said.
“I thought from his first game to that game [against the Broncos] he took a big step and that has a lot to do with his work ethic. What he’s done in practice and his commitment level to getting better allowed him to play some good minutes.”
The Rebels wrap up the regular season this weekend with back-to-back games against the Edmonton Oil Kings in Red Deer on Saturday and on the road Sunday.
The Rebels have also reported that forward Carson Latimer will be a game-time decision for Saturday’s game after suffering a broken jaw in practice in February.
Red Deer will still be without defenceman Elias Carmichael, forward Frantisek Formanek, and defenceman Matteo Fabrizi who remain week to week. Whether they’ll return in time for Game 1 of the playoffs will be determined next week.
At face value, the games are essentially meaningless with no implications on the standings.
However, Struch said it’s quite the opposite. With playoffs beginning next week with a first-round matchup against the Tigers these games are important for their preparation.
“This means a lot to us… It’s going to be crucial we do things the right way. We have to have a playoff mindset. Everyone is going ot get a chance to play but the way we play is going to be the most important thing this weekend.”