ASSINIBOIA — The Richardson Pioneer Jr. Rebels have not been idle since their season ended in playoffs.
Assiniboia’s Jr. B Hockey Club announced that assistant coach Todd Elik has been promoted to head coach.
“Todd brings a wealth of information and hockey knowledge,” Rebels’ spokesperson, Curtis Nelson, said in a December 2024 story on Â鶹´«Ã½AV.ca and Assiniboia Times.
“He has played in the NHL and has been a pro hockey head coach. He will be a great asset to our team.”
Spencer Kirby will be the team’s new general manager, taking over for Paul Tendler. While Tendler’s long-term commitment and experience with the team will be missed, Nelson says Kirby has experience in a team GM role, and kids in minor hockey and hockey have been part of his life, so the Rebels feel he is a good fit for the team.
Sharon Schauenberg has taken on the role of community ambassador, tasked with community engagement activities with players and the town.
“Our team has helped out at the Catholic Church fowl supper, the winter parade and kids’ hockey camp. We want to continue to do our part to give back to the community that supports us in our season,” the team states.
The Prairie Junior Hockey League will see some changes for the upcoming season as Delisle Chiefs have moved to Martensville, and Moosomin will have a new team in the south division of the league.
Nelson says, “This balances league schedule with six teams in both south and north divisions, making for a 42-game schedule.”
In other Rebels news, team coaches, managers and execs are building for next season. They are heading to spring camp at Weyburn, which will include seven teams and 150 players to look at.
“We are co-operating with Weyburn Red Wings this year, our closest Junior A franchise geographically. We will align more with them, and this will enable us to move players back and forth,” adds Nelson.
The team president notes that once this camp weekend is over, marketing material will be lined up. Fall camp is Sept. 5-7. In conjunction with this camp, the Banjo Bowl will play on the big screen at the Â鶹´«Ã½AVland Co-op Centre, and a WHL exhibition game will be held that evening in the rink.
“There are bigger and brighter things this year. Our facility is second to none in the province and as Mayor Sharon pointed out, in the short time span SCC has been open, Assiniboia has hosted games for former WHL champs, Moose Jaw Warriors, 2025 Telus Cup Champs, Regina Pat Canadians and SJHL finalists, Weyburn Red Wings.”
SCC is also home to the Jr. B Rebels, the Senior Rebels and minor hockey teams that all have seen success in their home arena, giving fans plenty of hockey action to experience all winter.
The team is converting an old dealership into a gym for the team, which will be completed in stages, with stage one completed by mid to end of May. The training studio will be led by Travis Mart, team conditioning coach, who will be doing summer strength training for developing elite hockey players.
