Well, here we are, on to another new season! I wasn't too shocked to see them go with a roster (for now) with no underage players, but rather a handful of 'experienced' 17 year olds (experienced in that some of them have been to 4 or 5 Rebel training camps already). Also wasn't too surprised to see Roy reassigned, with the addition of Dmytriw. More speed, a bit more skill and a good chance he will be around as an overage next season.
I also can't say that I was shocked to see Fancy reassigned. It sure creates an interesting situation for next season, where they will have a veteran starter in Lamb, and two younger goaltenders battling for the backup spot again. For me, I don't think hat the reassignment of Fancy bodes very well for him in the future, as he will be battling a 19 year old with two seasons under his belt, and an 18 year old with a full season under his belt. It may be a matter of one of the other two playing themselves out of a job at this point.
I was sure refreshing to watch all of the players that returned from NHL camps still looking like they had any interest in playing in the WHL this season! Petrovic was probably the last player in Red Deer to come back from an NHL training camp, and not take until after the trade deadline to start putting any effort into their game. Pawlenchuk was all over the ice last night, and looked dangerous on every shift.
Interesting that the Rebels had three natural centers dressed last night, but only two of them were playing center. Didn't seem to affect them too much, but it will be interesting to see how that plays out moving forward.