Three young hockey players from Big Valley, all in the bantam roster of the Red Deer Rebels will represent their community in the 2011 All Star game, which will be hosted by Lethbridge and played in the Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre on Saturday, Jan. 8, starting at 2 p.m.
Ty Mappin and Logan Hermus, both playing for the Rebels’ bantam AAA white team, and Dylan Houston, who plays for the black team, have been invited to play with the South Division All Stars in the prestigious provincial event.
Dallas Gaume, the head coach of the white team said both Ty Mappin and Logan Hermus deserved to be where they were invited.
“Ty and Logan are both special players and people,” said Gaume.
“Ty is a very talented player, very good puck skill, shot, and sees the ice very well. He is extremely passionate and competitive. He will do whatever it takes to win.”
He also had big words of praise for Logan Hermus. “Logan is a big strong defense man, who also is very talented. His passion for the game and his competitiveness is what separates him from other good players.”
Gaume also said their leadership skills had an important role in their recognition as good hockey players.
“Ty and Logan are very driven to have individual success, yet understand the importance of every player on our team,” Gaume said.
“They are both captains and tremendous leaders on our hockey team. They are very good teammates to every member of our team and are looked up to and respected by all of our players.”
Bob Rudz, the coach of the black bantam Rebels said Dylan Houston was deserving the honor.
“He has been our most consistent player, he has been an all star all season,” Rudz said.
“When we need to build momentum, he is always involved in the effort.”
“The reason he has been having such a successful season is that he is willing to learn and to get better every time he steps on the ice.”