The Red Deer Rebels cut their roster by one Monday, sending 18-year-old forward Jesse Mireau home.
The elimination of the Martensville, Sask., native leaves the Rebels with 16 forwards, seven defencemen and three goaltenders.
“We’ll make a decision on the goaltenders once Kemps (Darcy Kuemper) gets back from Minnesota and we have only seven defencemen at the time, so there won’t be any changes there,” said Rebels head coach Jesse Wallin.
“Up front we have to make a decision on a 20-year-old and one other to get down to the 14 we’ll keep.”
The Rebels still have four 20-year-olds in camp and can keep three. Included in that group are forwards Nathan Green, Cody Esposito and Jordie Deagle. The fourth is defenceman Cullen Morin, who will be staying.
“We have until Oct. 15 to make a decision (on the 20-year-olds), but we’re hoping it’ll be sooner than later,” said Wallin.
“But right now there’s not a lot of movement.”
Once Kuemper returns either 19-year-old Kraymer Barnstable or 17-year-old Cam Gorchynski will be released or reassigned.
Mireau had the hands to play in the Western Hockey League, but lacked other things Wallin was looking for.
“He had good talent, but as an 18-year-old it came down to work ethic and the identity we want. He was good with the puck, but without it he disappeared for long stretches. I think he gave it what he had, but ultimately we have too many guys ahead of him.”
The Rebels should have a full roster by their regular season opener against the Calgary Hitmen, Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Centrium.
Landon Ferraro and Willie Coetzee should be back today from the Detroit Red Wings camp with Kuemper and Cass Mappin, who is with the Columbus Blue Jackets, expected back Wednesday.
Defenceman Justin Weller will return Thursday from the Phoenix Coyotes camp.