It has been at times a tough season to navigate, but Red Deer Rebels forward Brandon Hagel (2016, sixth round) has himself back on the map as a peak performer after capturing nine points last week.
Hagel erupted for a four-assist effort Monday, the second four-helper game of his WHL career, to boost Red Deer to a 4-0 victory at Prince George. On Wednesday, Hagel took a lead pass and buried a forehand for the game-winning goal and added an assist as Rebels toppled Kelowna 4-1.
Hagel continued to make an impact Friday, netting one assist and pumping eight shots on goal to earn the game's first star to help the Rebels earn a 4-3 win at Victoria. The Rebels continued the Western road swing Sunday with yet another victory as Hagel produced a pair of helpers in a 4-2 triumph at Vancouver.
It has been a challenging season for both Hagel and the Rebels, but the club is getting on track at the right time. After missing six weeks with an upper-body injury, during which the Rebels spiraled into a 13-game losing streak, Hagel has been a point-per-game player with 17 points in as many games since his return. The productive week gives the energetic winger 10 goals and 42 points in 45 total contests for a Red Deer squad that has won nine of its last 11 games.