Red Deer Rebels
Red Deer really had a strong draft in our opinion, taking guys who really drove their lines this season and could make a scoring impact. All the while taking long shot guys later on towards the end of the draft who could add depth to their future line up. We really like the value they grabbed in their top few picks and how it looked like they focused on best player available. Definitely a class that will be a key reason for Red Deer’s future offense and how successful we believe it will be.
1st Round Selection
Ethan Rowland (22nd Overall) – By far the most interesting pick in the first round, Rowland is a speedy center who has improved his play in the offensive zone this year. Strong and dangerous off the rush, he can take over the game with his quickness and vision. Rowland looked like he grew this past season and someone we believe will be a top line guy who really leads that line up in his late teens.
Notable Picks
Jordan Borysiuk (63rd Overall) – Someone who we were keen on watching at draft day. Borysiuk is a powerful player who really uses his frame well to create space for himself. He is someone who we think once given the opportunity can drive the offensive on his line with his ability to explode up ice and his tight hands. Definitely a future top to middle six winger at the WHL level.
Kyler Kovich (78th Overall) – Kovich is coming off of a great season with Burnaby. He is a skilled power forward who has the ability to score from anywhere. Great hands and instincts we believe he is a guy who will score at the next level around the net. Kovich is a guy to watch going forward to see where he really ends up and how he translates to the WHL.
Jace Isley (107th Overall) – A versatile player who has a tonne of skill and quickness in his game, Isley played strong all season long and is a guy we feel is more effective as an offensive defender. Isley really came on at the AB Cup tournament where he looked like one of the strongest forwards on his team and was so dangerous with the puck. Don’t know where he ends up as a player if he is a defender or forward but someone who will impact the offense at the next level.
Conclusion
We really believe that this draft class is one of the more offensive based ones this year and will really impact the Rebels offense in the next few years. They took a few defenders after the 7th round who are long shots but could add depth. Guys like Leslie, Williams, Gustafson who could really develop in there 15 year old season and look like solid steals. It will also make this team a fun team to watch in the future.
