Prince Albert's own Marek Schneider knows he'll see some playoff action this season with the Red Deer Rebels. (Submitted Photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Schneider In Stretch Drive

Prince Albert’s Schneider relishing Rebels stretch drive

Mar 1, 2023 | 5:04 PM

It’s been a whirlwind of a season for Prince Albert native Marek Schneider.

Beginning the campaign close to home with the Saskatoon Blades, he was dealt to the Red Deer Rebels on Nov. 23. In spite of the frenetic pace of the season, however, some things are still special to him.

Schneider and the Rebels came to the Art Hauser Centre for the second and final time of the regular season on Tuesday. The return journey to Prince Albert is always a good one for the local minor hockey product.

“It feels great,” said Schneider. “Growing up and playing in PA, the Art Hauser Centre is a treat. Coming back here is always even better to play.”

Of course, it’s a journey Schneider has made before. He played his first WHL regular season game at the Art Hauser Centre on Mar. 11, 2022, and has played as a member of the Blades and the Rebels since then. Still, the moment hasn’t lost its appeal.

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“When we come to PA, you know it’s going to be a hard game coming into the Art Hauser Centre, knowing it’s a smaller rink,” said Schneider. “I always take pride. Coming from there, you don’t always see a lot of people coming out PA for hockey.”

Schneider knows what it’s like to be on both sides of the equation dealing with the Art Hauser crowd. He’s played for the Mintos and AA Raiders in his minor hockey career and even been part of that crowd as a young fan. This made throwing on a Blades jersey for the first time a little strange.

“It was definitely a change up,” Schneider said. “I definitely heard a lot about it from my friends and family in PA, and obviously my hockey coaches as well. But no matter what, I always like coming to play in PA, even if it’s against them.”

The Rebels may have lost the contest with the Raiders on Tuesday, but they know they have lots of hockey ahead of them.

They’ve locked up a playoff spot and are closing in on locking down first place in their division, which would guarantee them home ice in round one of the playoffs.

“The hockey here is really fast,” said Schneider. “It’s a great team with a great coaching staff. I’m pretty thankful to have been traded to such a great organization. I’m looking forward to it (the playoffs). It’s going to be super fun, especially with this group of guys.”

Schneider’s Rebels are in Saskatoon on Wednesday, March 1, for the second game of their eastern road swing.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP