The Red Deer Rebels are excited to announce that forward Escalus Burlock and goaltender Rhett Stoesser have each signed a Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreement with the club.

A native of Edmonton Burlock was selected by the Rebels in round seven, 135th overall at the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

Last year with the Edmonton CAC Canadians (U16 AAA), Burlock collected 26 goals and 16 assists for 42 points in 33 games. He also had nine goals and seven assists for 16 points in nine playoff games.

“Escalus has come in and made an impression from the start of camp,” says Rebels Associate General Manager Shaun Sutter. “He has earned this opportunity using his size and strength while showing the ability to play alongside other offensive players and produce. We’re excited about his commitment to improve and the high ceiling he possesses as a player.”

Stoesser, who hails from Carstairs was invited to Rebels training camp as a free agent. He played in 19 games last season for the Airdrie CFR Bisons (U18 AAA) and posted a 3.67 goals against average and .885 save percentage along with a 5-4-1 record.

“Rhett was our only free agent invite to our main camp and epitomizes the underdog who has been a pleasant surprise,” Sutter noted. “He has made the most of the opportunity playing himself into the goalie equation with a solid performance while utilizing his size and efficiency to be consistent.”