Your old Red Deer Rebels captain is chasing glory
Morning from Central Alberta — five communities, one correspondent, and all the stories the big papers forgot.
I'll tell you what, it's not every day you get to see a kid who skated the ice at the Peavey Mart Centrium go on to play for a national title. But that's exactly what's happening with Ollie Josephson, our former Red Deer Rebels captain. He's down south, vying for the NCAA title, and that story's got legs like a yearling. He played his heart out for the Rebels, you remember him — a real workhorse, never quit, always had that quiet leadership. It's the kind of news that just makes you puff out your chest a little, knowing a bit of Red Deer grit is out there on the big stage.
### From the Centrium to the National Stage
Now, for folks who might not follow the college circuit as closely as junior hockey, the NCAA title is a massive deal in the States. We're talking about the best of the best college players duking it out. Ollie, after his time here, went on to play for one of those big-shot university teams, and now they've made it all the way to the championship game. It just goes to show you the kind of talent that comes through our city. It's not just about the NHL for these young fellas; there are other paths to making a name for yourself, and Ollie's certainly doing that.
* **Who is he?** Former captain of the Red Deer Rebels. * **What's he doing?** Playing for the NCAA Men's Hockey Championship. * **Why does it matter?** It's a huge stage, showing the caliber of players developed right here in Red Deer.
Well now, for us Red Deer folks, seeing one of our own chasing such a big prize just reminds us of the pipeline of talent that comes through the Rebels program. It’s a point of pride, watching these kids grow up on the ice and then go on to do great things. It’s a good sign for all the minor hockey kids playing at the Dawe or the G.H. Dawe Centre, dreaming of making it big.
Wyatt Brandt, MiTL Sports Desk, Red Deer.
My buddies at the Morning Wire will be chewin' on this all week, catch 'em live at mornings.live.