Rebels grind out 2-1 win over Giants
LANGLEY, BC – It wasn’t a Picasso, but the Red Deer Rebels found a way to draw up a win Sunday with a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre.
The Rebels remain tied with the Regina Pats for the final playoff spot in the WHL Eastern Conference after the Pats came back on Sunday to beat Moose Jaw 3-2 in overtime.
The win was Red Deer’s first on their B.C. road trip which wraps up Tuesday night in Prince George.
STATS STORY
Talon Brigley RD – 1 goal
Nate Yellowaga RD – ppg, game winner
Matthew Kondro RD – 21 saves, win
Brett Olson VAN – ppg
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first period the Rebels struck first early in period two when a centering pass from Kohen Lodge deflected off Talon Brigley then a Giants defender before sliding home for Brigley’s 15th goal of the season.
Okay, stand right there and don't move.
Shot by Kohen Lodge, deflected by Talon Brigley!👏👀@Rebelshockey pic.twitter.com/7bCSAYqyQA
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) February 2, 2026
Vancouver tied the game later in period two when Brett Olson scored on a 4-on-3 power play. It was a tie game headed into period three.
On Red Deer’s second power play of the game Kalder Varga streaked down right wing and fed a perfect pass to Nate Yellowaga, who made no mistake in firing home his 6th goal of the year for a 2-1 Rebels lead.
Smile if you love scoring: 😆😁😄😃😀
Nate Yellowaga's 6⃣th goal of the season for the lead!👏@Rebelshockey pic.twitter.com/pRd6cz429T
— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) February 2, 2026
The Giants pulled goaltender Kelton Pyne for an extra attacker in the final two minutes but were unable to score the equalizer as the Rebels held on for the one-goal win.
Red Deer outshot Vancouver 37-22 and was 1-for-3 on power plays while the Giants were 1-for-2.
BRANDT THREE STARS
1. Yellowaga RD
2. Olson VAN
3. Varga RD
NOTES
Beckett Hamilton also assisted on Yellowaga’s goal for his team leading 39th point of the season … scratches for this game were Cameron Dillard, Cole Temple (lower), and Grayden Peterson … This was Red Deer’s first win at the Langley Events Centre since February 18, 2018.
NEXT UP
The B.C. trip concludes Tuesday night when the Rebels battle the Prince George Cougars at CN Centre at 8 p.m. MT (106.7 REWIND Radio, Victory+).
