Rebels drop Family Day Matinee 5-2 to Edmonton
In the second spirited tilt between two bitter rivals in a four-day span, the Red Deer Rebels fell victim to an all too familiar refrain.
They once again outplayed their opponent at even strength only to have special teams deliver costly blows in a 5-2 loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings in front of nearly 7,000 fans at the Peavey Mart Centrium.
“Obviously, the thing that’s been biting us in the butt all year was what we feel cost us the game was two power play goals against, and then a missed opportunity on eight power plays for us, even an opportunity at the end on a six on four,” lamented Rebels head coach Dave Struch.
Beckett Hamilton and Matthew Gard were the only two Rebels to cash in on the strong goaltending performance of Alex Worthington, who faced 37 shots.
STATS STORY
Lukas Sawchyn (EDM) – 1 goal, 2 assists
Gracyn Sawchyn (EDM) – 2 goals
Beckett Hamilton (RD) – 1 goal, 12th of season
Matthew Gard (RD) – 1 goal, 13th of the season
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rebels controlled the first ten minutes of the game and recorded the first seven shots on goal. However, it was Edmonton’s Lukas Sawchyn opening the scoring as he stood on the doorstep and tapped home a cross-crease pass past Chase Wutzke at the 9:55 mark of the first period.
Gracyn Sawchyn and Rylen Roersma then added power play goals as the Oil Kings took a 3-1 lead within a 5:01 span.
The Rebels finally reaped the rewards of their hard work when Jhett Larson chipped the puck by Edmonton’s defence before feeding a perfect pass to Beckett Hamilton who crashed the net for his 12th of the season to close out the first period.
Knock, knock. 🚪✊
Who's there⁉️
Beckett Hamilton‼️#RDREBELS | #WHL pic.twitter.com/HVXm3uujYz
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) February 17, 2025
Pressure poured both ways in the second period but neither team could light the lamp.
In the third, Red Deer continued their control of the game at even strength. Matthew Gard made it a one-goal game with a display of patience and athleticism as he danced through traffic to slid the puck past Edmonton netminder Alex Worthington. Kalan Lind started the play by creating a turnover down low before Keaton Dowhaniuk set up Gard for the tally.
Where there is Gard, there is a way! #RDREBELS | #WHL pic.twitter.com/iPOSzf4b2P
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) February 17, 2025
The Rebels continued their push for a comeback until Adam Jecho (even strength) and Gracyn Sawchyn (empty net) put the game out of reach for the Oil Kings.
The Rebels outshot the Oil Kings 37-22 but came up empty on eight power plays. Edmonton, conversely, scored on two of four power play opportunities.
THREE STARS
1. L. Sawchyn (EDM)
2. Lind (RD)
3. Worthington (EDM)
WHAT THEY SAID
Rebels head coach Dave Struch…
NOTES
Out of the line-up for the Rebels were Jace Weir (upper), Jaxon Fuder (upper), Brett Calhoon, and Dmitri Toporowski … Rebels fans delivered on Sockey Day in Red Deer with a large truck load of socks donated to United Way Central Alberta … attendance for the game was 6,920 … Brandon Hagel was announced as the next Rebels bobblehead, presented by Carpet One. Hagel bobbleheads will be given out March 1 when the Rebels host Kelowna. More details coming soon.
NEXT UP
The Rebels look to stay sharp for a 7 P.M. battle against the Saskatoon Blades on Friday, February 21 at the Peavy Mart Centrium (TICKETS).
