The Red Deer Rebels have made a move in the world of Western Hockey League (WHL) goaltending, trading 19-year-old goaltender Kyle Kelsey to the Tri-City Americans. In return for Kelsey, the Rebels received a fourth-round pick in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft and a second-round pick in the 2025 draft. This trade sets the stage for a new goaltending dynamic for the Rebels, with 18-year-old Rhett Stoesser and 17-year-old Chase Wutzke now taking the reins.
Kelsey, a native of Maple Ridge, BC, originally joined the Rebels in May 2022 through a trade with the Moose Jaw Warriors. During his time with the Rebels, Kelsey played in 43 games, maintaining a 2.62 goals against average, a .909 save percentage, and a 23-14-2-4 record, including four shutouts. Notably, he also played a crucial role in the playoffs, securing seven wins in 11 games, with a 2.36 goals against average, a .912 save percentage, and an additional shutout.
The Tri-City Americans, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting that Kelsey, born in 2004, brings valuable experience to their goaltending lineup. In the 2022-23 season, Kelsey posted a 21-11-2-3 record with a .907 save percentage and a 2.64 goals against average, along with four shutouts.
As for Kelsey’s recent performance, in six games with the Rebels this season, he has recorded a 2-3-0-1 record, a .917 save percentage, and a 2.49 goals against average. The trade signifies a strategic move for both teams, with the Americans gaining an experienced WHL goaltender and the Rebels securing valuable draft picks for the future.
This transaction reflects the ongoing evolution and development of WHL teams as they continue to shape their rosters and build for future success.
