Born: January 31, 1990
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 186 lbs.
Hometown: Red Deer, Alta.
2009-2010 team: Red Deer Rebels
Draft: Red Deer Rebels — WHL
Player info: Collin Archer is an effective fourth-year defender and an assistant captain with the Red Deer Rebels — two roles befitting his skills and strengths.
While Archer was never mistaken for Paul Coffey or Bobby Orr as a member of the Telus Cup runner-up midget AAA Optimist Rebels during the '06-07 season, he did record a respectable 12 points, including two goals, in 36 regular-season games.
"As I was growing up I was a little more of an offensive type of player, but that's not realistic when you get to this level of hockey," the 18-year-old Red Deer product said Tuesday.
"The talent pool gets deeper and deeper and you have to learn to play a role that you're suited for. I'm a defenceman, I have to play defence."
And "Absolutely. I think I've improved my skating and I think that's helped me with eliminating defensive mistakes," he said. "I'm not letting guys get to the middle on me as much. I'm keeping my position on people."
Head coach Jesse Wallin is says he's grateful to have Archer on his roster.
"'Arch' is first and foremost a tremendous person and I think that shows in his play," said Wallin. "He battles hard; he competes hard no matter what the situation. He's very demanding of himself and I think the thing that I certainly appreciate as a coach is his on-ice intelligence. He thinks the game so well. He knows how to play."