Rebels clip Blades 2-1 for second-straight win
The Red Deer Rebels struck for a pair in the opening period before locking it down defensively to bring home a 2-1 win over the WHL leading Saskatoon Blades Saturday night at the Peavey Mart Centrium.
Hunter Mayo and Jhett Larson provided the offence, while Chase Wutzke stood tall at the other end, making 30 saves, 24 of which came in the first two periods.
“The third period was great. I thought right from the backend out we played our game, and obviously the win is a big one for us,” said head coach Dave Struch.
Stats Story:
Hunter Mayo (RD) – 1 goal
Jhett Larson (RD) – game winning goal
Chase Wutzke (RD) – 30 saves, win
Evan Gardner (SAS) – 33 saves
How it Happened:
Hunter Mayo opened the scoring for Red Deer just over five minutes into the opening period as the veteran blueliner’s shot snuck through a crowd in front and in for his team and WHL defence leading sixth goal of the campaign.
Stay 🔥, Hunter! pic.twitter.com/bULMzWSl2e
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) October 20, 2024
In the final two minutes of the opening frame, after the Rebels killed three-straight Saskatoon power plays, Jhett Larson doubled the lead as he deposited a loose puck into a wide-open net.
Right place, right time! pic.twitter.com/P4LK5sKI6V
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) October 20, 2024
It was 4:47 into the second period when Brandon Lisowsky scored to bring the Blades within one. Lisowsky crossed the blue line with speed and beat Rebels netminder Chase Wutzke to the blocker side.
Scoring chances for either side were limited in the third period as the Rebels did a nice job of limiting Blades shots on Wutzke to secure the one-goal home ice win.
Three Stars:
1. Wutzke (RD)
2. Gardner (SAS)
3. Mayo (RD)
What they said:
“Both teams play on their toes. As much as we didn’t early in the game, we still played a good game. We just expect more, we have higher expectations,” said Struch. “We use the term playoff mindset, I know it’s early in the year, but having a playoff mindset against the top teams is really important to win hockey games.”
“I thought we played really well. Our team just got better and better as the game went on. It was a good bounce-back, a good statement game. Gotta do the same thing tomorrow,” said Mayo.
Milestones:
Hunter Mayo registered his 100th career point with his first-period tally.
Next up:
The Rebels are right back at it tomorrow as the Edmonton Oil Kings visit the Peavey Mart Centrium for a 4 p.m. puck drop. (106.7 Rewind Radio, CHL TV).
(Xander Holcomb)