I really liked watching Carson Birnie play. So on one hand I am very happy and excited for him going to the Hitmen and have the chance of good playoff run. The Red Deer Rebels have made a significant trade, adding some promising young talent and future draft capital. In a deal announced earlier today, the Rebels received 17-year-old forward Parker MacDougall, 16-year-old forward prospect Ethan Dundas, a 2025 fifth-round pick, and a 2026 third-round pick (originally belonging to Swift Current) in exchange for veteran forward Carson Birnie, 19.
MacDougall, a fifth-round pick (99th overall) by Calgary in the 2022 WHL Draft, is currently tearing it up with the U18 AAA Fraser Valley Thunderbirds. The Victoria, BC product has amassed an impressive 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in just 19 games. He’s expected to join the Rebels immediately and could be in the lineup as soon as Tuesday’s game against Saskatoon.
Dundas, selected by Calgary in the seventh round (133rd overall) of the 2023 WHL Draft, hails from Regina and plays for his hometown U18 AAA Regina Pat Canadians. He’s recorded 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 25 games this season.
Moving on to The Calgary Hitmen is Carson Birnie, an Arcola, SK native who was drafted by Red Deer in the eighth round (160th overall) of the 2020 WHL Draft. Birnie spent three seasons with the Rebels, appearing in 150 regular season games where he totaled 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists). This season, he contributed nine goals and 10 assists in 35 games. Birnie also added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 21 playoff appearances for the Rebels.
