The Kitchener Rangers were bounced from the OHL playoffs by the London Knights, allowing Rehkopf and Sale to join the Firebirds
The Coachella Valley Firebirds have added Carson Rehkopf and Eduard Sale to their roster from the Kitchener Rangers, it was announced this past week.
Rehkopf, Sale and the Rangers were eliminated by the London Knights in the second round of the OHL playoffs.
Both 2023 draft picks by the Seattle Kraken, Sale heard his name called in the first round (20th overall) while Rehkopf went in the second round (50th overall).
Rehkopf lead the Rangers in points during the regular season, scoring 52 goals and adding 43 assists for 95 points in 60 games. He added a further 11 points in 10 playoff games.
Armed with a deadly release, Rehkopf can beat goalies from almost anywhere in the offensive zone. While it is unknown if either Rehkopf or Sale will get time with the Firebirds, opposing AHL goalies will have to watch out for Rehkopf if they give him time and space.
Sale, who joined the Rangers after a trade from the Barrie Colts mid-season, struggled after heading to Kitchener. While he put up 18 points in 24 regular season games, Sale disappointed fans who expected him to be a dynamic addition who could go toe-to-toe with Rehkopf.
He did show up in the playoffs though, posting 12 points in 10 games but it was still not enough to hold off the powerhouse Knights.
With the Firebirds set to take on the Calgary Wranglers in Game 2 later this afternoon, they will look to even up the series at one game apiece. Whether they get into a game or not, this experience will be a good one for both Rehkopf and Sale.
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