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Castlegar Rebels make major moves leading into camp

The Castlegar Rebels announced the signing of prospect Reid Wilson and defenseman Mathew Cooper.
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Vince Bitonti, No. 5 and Brandon Costa, No. 10, assisted Reid Wilson, No. 14, on his first junior hockey goal during a game against the Grand Forks Bruins on Friday. (Chelsea Novak/Castlegar News file)

The Castlegar Rebels active week continued in a big way Tuesday.

Chris Breese — who amassed 25 goals and 64 points for the Rebels in 2015-16 — will be joining the orange and gold, adding a 6’2” frame to an already strong offensive core.

Breese — a 1997-born forward — rounds out the 20-year-old situation in Castlegar joining Moeller, Lindsey, Bitonti and Szott. Breese first got a taste of his new teammates and coach after he joined John Moeller, Chance Szott, Everett Hicks, Daneel Lategan and (coach) Bill Rotheisler in Boston for the 2017 New England Pre-Draft Tournament back in May.

Breese had a strong rookie season in the AJHL last season finishing seventh on the Drayton Valley Thunder in scoring with 10 goals and 21 points. Prior to that Breese spent time with International Hockey Academy (formerly SISEC), who plays out of the CSSHL. GM/Head Coach Bill Rotheisler said Breese is a big-time addition.

“To have someone that can provide that amount of offensive production, and happens to be a big frame centreman with junior A experience is a huge asset for us and aspect we were missing last season. We were also able to see a preview in Boston where we saw how he mixed in with some of the guys and we were very impressed. He was also around for camp last season, and despite being in Drayton last year, he really has always been a Rebel.”

The Rebels also acquired a second left-handed defenseman in as many days. Cordell Boyko was acquired from the Golden Rockets in exchange for conditional future considerations.

Boyko, from Edmonton, is heralded as a good skater, with exceptional own zone awareness.

“Cory (Cordell) is average height at 5’10”, but plays hard and latches to guys well, he is a hard shadow to shake,” said Rotheisler. “We have been working on this (Boyko trade) for over a month now and are very excited to bring Cordell into the fold.

Cordell will be attending North Battleford’s camp at the end of August but is expected to join his new teammates prior at Rebel’s camp Aug. 25. After news of the trade, Boyko said, “I’m very excited and honoured to be brought on board with an organization that’s competitive and expects the best from their players day in and day out. It’s an exciting time for me and I can’t wait to get started in just a couple of weeks and help the team win any way that I can.”

The Rebels also announced the signing of Rebels’ prospect Reid Wilson (Castlegar) and defenseman Mathew Cooper (Whitehorse).

Both players spent last season with the Kootenay Ice Major Midget Program in Trail.

Reid Wilson, a 17-year-old Castlegar product, spent the last two seasons with the Kootenay Ice Major Midget program and prior to that with Okanagan Hockey Academy.

Last season, Reid played seven games including a playoff game with the Rebels as an affiliate.

“We really have a strong family feel within our hockey operations and it speaks volumes when you are able to show your affiliates that there is a mutual buy-in. At the end of the day, you still must earn it. It is important to show future affiliates that your looking for more than just fillers for games, there is a long-term vision there, and if you come and work at it there is opportunity,” Rotheisler said.

“Reid is player that has already shown that he is meant to play with and against bigger and better players. His energy and possession numbers were always in the top portion of the team when he played with us. The guy proved he can be a player, and more importantly, he proved he can do it already in a Rebels’ uniform.”

In addition to the signing of Wilson, the Rebels also addressed a need in signing left-handed defenseman Mathew Cooper.

Cooper, 18, from Whitehorse, had a strong season last year with the Ice as well and in addition was an active affiliate of the Nelson Leafs’ program.

In addition, Cooper has spent time with the Pacific Coast Academy.

Mathew was first noticed playing for the MML team last season, but pushed his stock after a strong showing at Alberni Valley Bulldog’s camp where then Bulldogs’ Associate Coach (now with Prince George) and Castlegar native Alex Evin spotted him.

“To say Mathew fills a need is an understatement. He is going to have the opportunity to come in and compete for some pretty substantial ice time on a very good team. With most of our question marks on that left side, we are ecstatic that our organization and Mathew found a mutual liking. He is a good player, with a strong skillset and character and will be a big help to our organization,” Rotheisler said.

The Rebels open the season Sept. 8 in Golden, and open at home on Sept. 15 versus the Columbia Valley Rockies.