A Swift Current-born WHL netminder won't be between the pipes for the Red Deer Rebels to begin the season.

The WHL club's Owner/President/General Manager Brent Sutter said 19-year-old Chase Coward made the decision not to attend training camp this week due to medical issues.

“Chase underwent testing this summer and discovered a congenital defect to his lower body,” Sutter explained.

“At this time Chase has decided he will not attend training camp or be a part of the Rebels roster to start the season, and we support him as he navigates through the process.”

Coward appeared in 35 games last year for the Rebels going 22-10-2 while posting a 2.51 goals-against-average and a .906 save percentage. The six-foot-two goalie also played in eight of the team's 10 playoff games registering a .925 save percentage.