Rebels Solidify Hockey Operations

Press Release

RED DEER, AB – Brent Sutter, Owner/President, of the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club, has announced that contract extensions have been signed by Jesse Wallin - VP of Hockey Operations/Head Coach, Bryce Thoma - Assistant Coach, Dave Horning - Trainer, and Terence Robertson - Athletic Therapist.

The team also announced that they have hired Chris Neiszner as an Assistant Coach. As well, the Rebels have acquired the services of Brent Belecki as Goaltending Consultant. Belecki will replace Andy Nowicki, who has chosen to step down from his position with the team to pursue other interests.

Chris Neiszner just completed a five-year career in professional hockey, of which four years were spent with the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL. Neiszner was a 3rd round selection of the Rebels in the 1999 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. He played four seasons with the team, from 2001-2005, and was a two-time Eastern Conference Champion (2002 & 2003). Neiszner played 286 regular season games for the Rebels, which is 3rd on the team’s all-time most games played list. He also has 61 games of playoff experience with the Rebels.

Brent Belecki played four seasons (1994-98) with the Portland Winterhawks before a seven year professional career. Belecki was part of the Winterhawks 1998 Memorial Cup Championship, won the Del Wilson Goaltender of the Year Trophy in 1997-98, and was the Most Valuable Player of the 1998 WHL Playoffs.

Jesse Wallin – “We’re very excited to add Chris and Brent to our staff. Chris is a former Rebel who is familiar with our organization and enjoyed success as a player through a keen understanding of the game and a relentless work ethic. These two qualities, combined with his passion and character, will serve him very well as a coach. Brent enjoyed great success as a player as well. He has a solid base in terms of the technical aspects of the position, but most importantly, his playing experience will also enable him to relate very well to our young goaltenders and help them develop the mental aspects of the position and playing in the league. I believe these two men will complement our staff very well and be of great benefit to our players.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)