The depth of the Red Deer Rebels forward group is their biggest question mark heading into the 2024-25 Western Hockey League season.
With expectations of strength in both the goaltending and defensive groups, the Rebels forwards will have to up their game this season and they seem to be up for the challenge.
They'll be led by 20-year-old Jhett Larson who is expected to have a big year in his final season in the Rebels uniform.
"I think we're looking good as a unit. We still have a lot of things to take care of, just dressing room and systems, but I think our compete's been high," Larson said.
"We're playing strong and fast offence right now and I think a lot of guys came to camp with different mindsets. We've improved a lot this summer and I think it's showing right now."
Over the offseason, the Rebels lost some key pieces throughout their forward lineup including captain Kai Uchacz. They also lost Carson Latimer, Frantisek Formanek, Zane Saab, and Dwayne Jean Jr.
In junior hockey, losing players every offseason is a guarantee but the Rebels feel they've also made a lot of great additions to the club.
In the summer they acquired Trae Wilke in a trade with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and have also developed multiple rookies who will look to make the jump to the WHL this year.
Most notably, rookie forward Beckett Hamilton who was Red Deer's first-round pick in 2023, and Finnish forward Kasper Pikkarainen who was selected by Red Deer over the offseason in the CHL Import Draft. Pikkarainen was also taken by the New Jersey Devils in the NHL Draft.
"I think it's the most skilled forward group I've seen since I've been here," Larson added.
"We've still got to take care of physical aspect but I think we have a lot of skill up front and a lot of smart hockey players. I think the older guys can teach the younger players how we play here, which is the fast and tough hockey the Rebels play."
The Rebels struggled to score for long stretches last year and were among the bottom five teams in goals for in the WHL. Larson explained as a leader that he expects more from himself as do the rest of the veterans.
"I think we're going to be another top team in our division and put up better numbers this year as a team and as individuals," he said.
"I want to be more consistent and just lead by example for these young guys and do my best... For us, we just need to stick to our systems and if we can all trust each other anything is possible."
The Rebels will also welcome back veteran forwards Talon Brigley and Ollie Josephson. Brigley explained he thinks the team's depth has improved
"I think everyone can play everywhere in any situation and that's what you want from a deep-forward group," he said.
"Our young guys can play top-six minutes and our older guys if we have to will play lower minutes. We're all just pulling for each other to play well and I think that's the good thing about this team. We don't care about points and all that stuff we just want to see results."
Brigley added that the coaching staff has preached to the players to be more creative in the offensive zone, which he said is something they've pulled away from doing the last two seasons.
"We've been a little bit more structured in the offensive zone which can erase some of those opportunities and creativity. I think it's good we're bringing a little bit of that back," he added.
Head coach Dave Struch said they're going to rely on offence by committee rather than relying on certain players to carry them. Playing the game with a high level of effort and intelligence is what he wants the team to focus on.
"That's been the message so far. We've got a good group of leaders and they work hard. We're a team that's going to have to compete every single day, not just every single game, to win games," Struch said.
"For me, it happens on both ends of the ice with and without the puck. That's how you create offence."
