The Red Deer Rebels have announced on Friday they’ve signed both forward Escalus Burlock and goaltender Rhett Stoesser to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.
Burlock was selected by the Rebels 135th overall in round seven at the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. The Edmonton native played 33 games for the Edmonton CAC Canadians in U16 AAA where he contributed 26 goals and 16 assists for 42 points. In nine playoff games, he also had nine goals and seven assists for 16 points.
“Escalus has come in and made an impression from the start of camp,” says Rebels Associate General Manager Shaun Sutter in a media release. “He has earned this opportunity using his size and strength while showing the ability to play alongside other offensive players and produce. We’re excited about his commitment to improve and the high ceiling he possesses as a player.”
Stoesser was invited to training camp as a free agent and the goaltender from Carstairs played last season played for the Airdrie CFR Bisons U18 AAA. He was in net for 19 games and was solid with a 3.67 goals against average and a .885 save percentage. He also posted a 5-4-1 record during that time.
“Rhett was our only free agent invite to our main camp and epitomizes the underdog who has been a pleasant surprise,” Sutter added. “He has made the most of the opportunity playing himself into the goalie equation with a solid performance while utilizing his size and efficiency to be consistent.”