Special teams sink Rebels in loss to Lethbridge
Early penalty trouble burned the Red Deer Rebels three times over in a 4-1 loss to the Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday night at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
Lethbridge scored three quick power play goals in the opening frame for a lead that would eventually send the Rebels to their 13th straight defeat.
STATS STORY
Leo Braillard (LET) – 3 goals
Peyton Shore (RD) – 32 saves
Lethbridge – 3/7 power play
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first goal came 8:41 into the game as Leo Braillard kicked off a big night with his 17th goal of the year on Lethbridge’s opening power play.
After Red Deer took a penalty on the ensuing faceoff, Braillard struck again 14 seconds later.
Eight minutes later on another man advantage, Logan Wormald tipped home a shot through the five hole of Peyton Shore for a 3-0 Hurricanes lead.
Shore, who made his first start for Red Deer since returning from an upper body injury, did not look one bit out of place and made more than his share of saves throughout the night to give his team a fighting chance.
Peyton Shore SHUTS THE DOOR!
What a save to keep the game tied!#RDREBELS | #WHL pic.twitter.com/5j7PTnKOd5
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) January 25, 2025
Red Deer hit the second-period ice determined to work their way back into the hockey game, an effort that earned them an early goal. Jace Weir’s shot from the right point was deflected home by Talon Brigley from the top of the crease for his fifth goal of the season.
Check out Brigley's beauty tip⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ePpPyjhWMd
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) January 25, 2025
That would end up being Red Deer’s lone goal on the night. Braillard completed his hat-trick in the third period, and Lethbridge held on for the 4-1 victory.
Lethbridge earned its ninth win in a row and improved to 5-1 versus Red Deer this season. The Hurricanes outshot Red Deer 36-25 and were 3-for-7 on the power play while the Rebels were 0-for-3.
THREE STARS
1. Braillard LET
2. Wormald LET
3. Shore RD
WHAT THEY SAID
Rebels assistant coach Clayton Beddoes…
Assistant coach Clayton Beddoes on tonight’s game in Lethbridge #RDREBELS | #WHL pic.twitter.com/3Kh354IISr
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) January 25, 2025
NOTES
The Rebels were again minus the services of veterans Ollie Josephson, Jhett Larson and Kalan Lind due to injuries. Rookie defenceman Dmitri Toporowski was scratched … Shore played his first game since Jan. 4 when he was hit by then Regina Pats forward Anthony Wilson, now with Lethbridge … Weir earned a point in his 265th regular season game with the Rebels – tied with Terry Lindgren for 13th most in team history, and fifth most amongst defencemen.
NEXT UP
The three-game weekend continues Saturday at the Peavey Mart Centrium versus the Moose Jaw Warriors. Game time is 7 p.m. as the Rebels celebrate Woolly’s Bully’s Birthday and Postgame Skate. (TICKETS)
