REDVERS - Long-time followers of the Big Six Hockey League have noticed that the Redvers Rockets have steadily become one of the top teams in Saskatchewan senior hockey circles.
After years of mediocrity, a strong minor hockey system has transformed this franchise into a perennial powerhouse. In 2017-18, the Rockets won their first and only Big Six championship. Although strong lineups were iced in both 2019-20 and 2020-21, because of COVID there was no winner declared.
The Rockets presently sport an 8-0-1 regular season record and have already defeated every high-quality team in the league. This year, they bolstered their lineup by adding 26-year-old left winger Presten Kopeck.
Kopeck hails from Alberta and from 2012 to 2016 this talented forward played a whopping 255 games in the Western Hockey League with Portland, Red Deer, and Spokane. Teammates from his Red Deer Rebel teams included NHL defensemen Haydn Fleury, Carlyle homegrown blueliner Devan Fafard and Redvers defenceman Brady Gaudet.
Gaudet and Kopeck have kept in touch over the years and with his recent move to the area, Kopeck decided to dress with the Rockets for 2021-22.
Playing on a line with Kopeck is homegrown forward Drew Hoff. Hoff is also an ex-WHLer who played with Tri Cities and Lethbridge from 2005-2009. Despite turning 34 last week, playing with Kopeck has rejuvenated his career and, together with winger Kevin Mann, they have formed one of the best forward lines in the league.
Said Hoff, “Kopeck is the real deal. He has sweet hands, a wicked shot, and elevates his game against the very good teams. On a regular shift, a penalty kill, or the power play, I just love playing with this guy.”
Redvers has a strong nucleus of high-quality talent. Defensively, they are a cut above the rest of the league. They have a strong goaltending tandem with Cody Matthewson and Thomas Bauche. Brady Gaudet and Devin Smallchild anchor a very solid blue line. The team has allowed only 26 goals in nine games played.
In addition to Hoff, Kopeck, and Mann, they also have a legion of hard working and talented homegrown forwards.
Coaches Ken Potapinski and Garth Mann were also contacted for this story. Said Potapinski: “The team has really come together this season and we have a good mix of older and younger players. We get 20-25 players out to practice every night and the team is frankly fun to be around. Our goaltending has been great and our defensive play has been stellar. Our forwards are hard-working and of course we are pleased with the addition of Kopeck.”
Both SHA Provincials and Big Six Hockey League playoffs are less than a month away. Once again, Redvers has entered C Division play and has added some Carlyle Cougars to its provincial roster.
The hockey action should be fast and furious here in southeast Saskatchewan and there are a number of great games to be played.
