Stevenson's Ties Run Deep with Rebels Franchise Great Van Impe
September 29, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Red Deer Rebels News Release
Talk about a major coincidence.
Growing up and playing minor hockey in Calgary, new Red Deer Rebels forward Blake Stevenson was coached by his neighbour, Darren Van Impe, who wore No. 24 during his two memorable years as a standout defenceman in Red Deer in the early '90s.
So what number was Stevenson assigned with the Rebels? You guessed it, No. 24.
"He's been a big part of my hockey career," said Stevenson during a recorded interview with Troy Gillard, the Rebels director of broadcasting and media. "He was one of my coaches all through my years in minor hockey, me and his son (Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman) Eric.
"It's been great wearing his number here . . . pretty crazy connections you get to the locker room."
Stevenson was greeted by Van Impe shortly after he drove home from Saskatoon immediately following his trade from the Blades to the Rebels last week.
"I ended up seeing him the next morning," said the 20-year-old forward. "He just kind of gave me a big hug and said 'wearing my number hey.' It was pretty cool. I'm sure he'll be coming to a couple games and I'll see him around here."
Stevenson played parts of three seasons with the Tri-City Americans, scoring 18 goals and collecting 34 points in 89 games, before being dealt to Saskatoon just prior to the start of the abbreviated 2020-21 season.
He played a bigger role with the Blades, scoring seven goals and recording 14 points in 24 games.
The Blades went into training camp this fall with more than their allotted number of overage players, meaning at least one would eventually be moved.
"We had an abundance of 20-year-olds in the 'Stoon so we kind of knew that one of us was going to go pretty quick," said Stevenson. "Props to (Blades president and GM) Colin Priestner for not dragging it out until the (Oct. 10) deadline. I really respect him for that.
"I had just practiced when I went in to see him. He said 'we've traded you to the Rebels'. It kind of caught me off guard a bit, but hopefully it's better for my hockey career and we can have a good season."
One advantage of playing in Red Deer, of course, is his proximity to Calgary.
"I knew I was going to be closer to home. I like it (trade) for that because my parents and family can come to the games."
Stevenson sees another advantage of suiting up with the Rebels - their potential to be one of the league's most improved teams this season.
"I think we're a fast-moving offensive team," said the six-foot, 190-pound winger, who scored once and picked up an assist in his second preseason game with the Rebels - Saturday's 6-1 win over Lethbridge while skating on a line with Kai Uchacz and Arshdeep Bains.
"We have a lot of depth so there's going to be guys moving up and down in the lineup frequently. So it's going to be a good year and a really competitive one."
Stevenson's style of play should fit in very well with how the Rebels hope to execute.
"I like to play fast, I like to get up the ice as quick as I can. I try to drive the net, get some shots off and bury them when I can . . . also get in front of the net and get those gritty goals," he said. "Hopefully it turns out well."
Stevenson is familiar with the Peavey Mart Centrium, having attended Memorial Cup games in 2016. He's also friends with Rebels third-year forward and fellow Calgary native Ethan Rowland.
"He was my first call when I got traded but they (Rebels) were on the ice so I couldn't really talk to him. I've known him for a long time," he said.
To make room for Stevenson on the roster, the Rebels released overage forward Zak Smith this week. He passed through WHL waivers and will likely play at the junior A level this season.
The Rebels open their regular season schedule Friday against the host Edmonton Oil Kings, who will then visit the Centrium for the Red Deer Advocate Home Opener the following evening at 7 p.m.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 29, 2021
- Blades Reacquire Infamous In-Game Host Kroeker - Saskatoon Blades
- Vancouver Giants Trade Defenceman Marko Stacha to Kamloops - Vancouver Giants
- Blazers Acquire Marko Stacha from Giants - Kamloops Blazers
- Miller Returns Home - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Broncos Announce 2020-21 Annual General Meeting Details - Swift Current Broncos
- Blades Announce Leadership Group for 2021-22 Season - Saskatoon Blades
- Stevenson's Ties Run Deep with Rebels Franchise Great Van Impe - Red Deer Rebels
- Winnipeg ICE Boston Pizza Kids Club Is Back - Winnipeg Ice
- Hitmen Partner with Calgary Fire Department for Fire Prevention Week - Calgary Hitmen
- Pats Hosting Home Opener Tailgate in Confederation Park Saturday - Regina Pats
- Cade McNelly Reassigned to the Giants from the LA Kings - Vancouver Giants
- Manitoba Hydro Power Players Program Introduced - Winnipeg Ice
- Oil Kings Reassign Ben Wright - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Zack Ostapchuk Signs Entry-Level Contract with the Ottawa Senators - Vancouver Giants
- Come Prepared: Everything You Need to Know for Saturday - Regina Pats
- Buffalo Assigns Kozak to Portland - Portland Winterhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
