Born: March 8, 1992
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hometown: Lethbridge, Alta.
2009-2010 team: Brooks Bandits - AJHL
Draft eligible: 2011
Player info: Deagle celebrated his 18th birthday in March, so clearly the sense of urgency to make the major junior grade has never been greater.
“It has to be this year for sure,” the Lethbridge native said Monday at the Centrium, following the second day of camp.
“I trained hard this summer because I know this is an important year for me. This is probably my last chance at making this team so I have to give it my best.”
Deagle worked on his speed and strength during the summer months, running sprints and weight training. He upped his weight to 190 pounds and is hoping the extra muscle will pay off this fall.
“I feel a lot better this year, better than at previous (Red Deer) camps,” said the six-foot rearguard.
Deagle said he gained valuable experience playing the past two seasons with the Brooks Bandits of the AJHL.
“Sure, it’s not quite the same calibre as the WHL, but when you’re playing junior A you’re going up against older players, some of them big, strong guys,” he said.
“And you’re living the junior life . . . you’re on the road a lot. There are definitely some similarities.”
Deagle, who has suited up for seven regular-season games with the Rebels over the past two years, is convinced that he became a more rounded player last winter, and it’s hard to argue with that assertion when glancing at his AJHL statistics.
He collected only five points, including one goal, in 45 games two years ago, and last year upped his offensive totals to five goals and 21 points in 52 outings.
“Last year I really noticed myself jumping into the rush more and helping out with the forwards,” he said.
“I used to be strictly a defensive defenceman, so I really changed my game in a positive way.”