Spacek Hoping to Earn Roster Spot with Jets this Season
September 5, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Red Deer Rebels News Release
It's not a make or break upcoming season for Michael Spacek, but the former Red Deer Rebels standout forward could be excused for becoming a mite impatient.
Spacek has played two full seasons with the Winnipeg Jets AHL team, the Manitoba Moose, and has yet to appear in a single NHL regular season game.
This despite recording 41 points, including 10 goals, in 74 games with the Moose last winter. The previous season, his rookie pro campaign, Spacek scored 17 goals and collected 38 points in 70 games, so he's been a consistent producer.
"I thought I would make some games last year, my second year. I think I had a good year but nobody was injured with the Jets," Spacek said Wednesday.
"But it's hockey. Now I have a third year and we will see what happens. I will do my best and we'll see."
Spacek was in Red Deer this week visiting his former billet, Val Wisener, and participating in a Rebels practice session at the Centrium.
"I came to visit and see the rink here too," he said.
The Czech forward enjoyed some of his finest Western Hockey League moments at the Centrium. He produced 18 goals and 54 points in 61 games in his first of two seasons with the Rebels, and followed that up with an explosive 85-point season (30g,55a) in 2016-17.
Spacek was particularly strong down the stretch of the '16-17 season, and went on to score four goals and add eight assists in a seven-game, opening-round playoff loss to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Jets took notice and signed the now 22-year-old to a three-year entry level deal.
"I think all season I played good, it wasn't like up and down all season," he said. "I was good especially in the playoffs, that was really good for me.
"All season I was good and I think the playoffs helped me to sign my contract."
Spacek was recalled by the Moose following the Rebels' post-season elimination in the spring of 2017 and got into four games, recording one assist in the process.
While it was a brief introduction to the pro game, Spacek insisted it was helpful in the sense that he knew how to prepare for his first full season with the Jets.
"They (Moose) gave me some games to just try and see what it's like, how does it feel," he said. "There is a big difference between junior and pro hockey but I knew the four games helped me so I know what I have to work on in summer.
"My first year I still learn a lot but now I know what does it take. I'm sure I'm ready to make the next step."
Spacek hasn't been a complete stranger to the Jets dressing room as he's played a few NHL preseason contests the past two Septembers.
"Is always a good experience to play. I played twice against Edmonton, in Edmonton against McDavid, Draisaitl and those guys, so it was great."
Spacek will play out his contract in the upcoming season while hoping for that long-awaited recall by the Jets.
"That's what I'm looking for - have a good camp and hopefully I will make my dream," he said.
Either way, Spacek will live in Winnipeg for at least one more winter. The Manitoba capital was ranked second - behind Edmonton - in a NHL players poll regarding the least desired city in which to play.
Spacek, though, loves the town despite the naysayers.
"Everybody told me here in Canada it's not the greatest city. It is cold there, yes, but is cold here in Alberta too," he said.
"I like it there, I'm used to it. Is like my second home."
Rebels return to action this weekend
The Rebels will host the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a preseason game Friday at the Centrium, then will pay a return visit to the southern Alberta city the following day.
Red Deer will close out its exhibition schedule with a Sept. 13 date with the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers and a Sept. 15 engagement with the host Calgary Hitmen.
The Rebels open their regular-season schedule Sept. 21 at home to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 5, 2019
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- Eight Chiefs Participating at NHL Camps - Spokane Chiefs
- Seven Vancouver Giants to Attend NHL Training Camps - Vancouver Giants
- Spacek Hoping to Earn Roster Spot with Jets this Season - Red Deer Rebels
- Cougars Sign Aiden Reeves to a WHL Standard Player Agreement - Prince George Cougars
- Broncos Host Pats Tonight (Thursday Sept 5th) at 7:05 - Swift Current Broncos
- Cougars Partner with KidSport for Habit Hack Challenge - Prince George Cougars
- Friday Is Season Ticket Pick up Day - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Vancouver Giants Sign 2004-Born Forward Julian Cull - Vancouver Giants
- Winnipeg ICE Release Final 300 Season Seats for Sale, Promotional Games Announced - Winnipeg Ice
- Tigers Open Preseason with a 4-2 Loss - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Raiders Double up Warriors in First Pre-Season Action - Prince Albert Raiders
- Broncos Stay Perfect in Pre-Season with Win over Tigers - Swift Current Broncos
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