Red Deer Rebels head to WHL playoffs [Video]

The Red Deer Rebels are getting ready for the start of the Western Hockey League playoffs this weekend, three weeks after getting a new head coach.

The Rebels ended the regular season with a five-game losing streak, something they’re hoping to bounce back from.

“The finish wasn’t exactly what you wanted, but I think the conditioning and the investment that we put into our practices and our games was all there,” said interim head coach Dave Struch.

“Obviously, we were preparing for a playoff run and I think our guys are ready for it.”

Struch took over the position on March 2, after the club had a mutual agreement to part ways with the former head coach, Derrick Walser, over inconsistent play on the ice.

“The Rebel hockey, the Rebel identity, is the way that I coach,” Struch said.

“Coming in and being able to implement my thoughts, my ideas, …