https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/ Sun, 08 Nov 2026 16:28:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/salisbury-slams-the-door-as-rebels-blank-raiders Sun, 08 Nov 2026 04:08:44 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/salisbury-slams-the-door-as-rebels-blank-raiders RED DEER - The Red Deer Rebels bounced back in a big way Saturday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium, shutting out the Prince Albert Raiders 2-0 behind a stellar 37-save performance from rookie goaltender Nathan Salisbury. Salisbury turned aside everything the Raiders sent his way to record his first career WHL shutout, while Cameron Kuzma orchestrated the offence with a pair of assists as the Rebels improved to 12-4-1-2 to reclaim top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Rebels broke the ice late in the opening period. Kuzma carried the puck into the Raiders' zone, hit the brakes and spotted Jame Missura trailing the play. With a beautiful cross-ice feed, Kuzma set up Missura, who unleashed a laser from the point and found the back of the net for his third goal of the season Red Deer doubled its advantage in the second period, and Kuzma was once again at the heart of the action. Racing a Raiders defender to a loose puck in the corner, Kuzma won the battle and chipped the puck out front for rookie Jake Banicevic. The young forward made no mistake, firing a perfectly placed wrist shot past Michal Orsulak to give the Rebels a 2-0 cushion. As the second came to a close, Missura dropped the gloves with Jordan Murray, bringing the home crowd to its feet as the Rebels defenceman stood his ground and added another spark to the night. With a two-goal lead heading into the third, the Rebels locked things down defensively battling through a scoreless final frame to keep the Raiders off the board. Prince Albert pushed hard and outshot the Rebels in the final frame but could not solve Salisbury. Tempers flared once more as the final horn went, but when the dust settled, it was Salisbury who had the biggest reason to celebrate. Orsulak stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced from the Rebels. Special teams remained even on the night, with both clubs going 0-for-4 on the power play. BRANDT THREE STARS 1. Nathan Salisbury (RD) shutout 2. Cameron Kuzma (RD) 2 assists 3. Jake Missura (RD) 1 goal WHAT THEY SAID Brent Kisio Nathan Salisbury NOTES Kuzma has points in three-straight and six of seven (2G, 9A) ... Rebels scratches for the game were Noah Chadi, Cameron Dillard, Grayden Peterson, Chace Turchak (U17 World Challenge), and Kohen Lodge (lower) ... This was Salisbury's first start on home ice after making his first four on the road ... Two of Missura's three goals this season have been game winners ... Salisbury made a brilliant play when he poke checked Raiders forward Athens Shingoose on a first period penalty shot attempt ... Prince Albert was held off the scoresheet for the first time this season ... The Raiders visit the Edmonton Oil Kings on Sunday ... Attendance for the game was 3,602. NEXT UP Deja vu for the Rebels as their Friday night plans once again include the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the VisitLethbridge.ca Arena at 7 PM on November 13 (106.7 Rewind Radio/YouTube).]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-erase-two-goal-deficit-in-shoot-out-loss-to-hurricanes Sat, 07 Nov 2026 06:02:09 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-erase-two-goal-deficit-in-shoot-out-loss-to-hurricanes LETHBRIDGE - A resilient effort saw the Red Deer Rebels battle their way to a single point Friday night, falling 5-4 to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a shootout at VisitLethbridge.com Arena. The Rebels erased a two-goal deficit, clawed their way back to force overtime and pushed the game to a sixth round of the shootout before ultimately coming up just short. Red Deer returns home with one point in hand, moving their record to 11-4-1-2. The Rebels capitalized on their first power-play opportunity of the night. Matus Lisy unleashed a rising wrist shot that beat Hurricanes goaltender Leif Oaten to open the scoring. Unfortunately, the lead was short-lived as in a span of just 55 seconds, Lethbridge struck twice. Gavin Lesiuk poked a loose puck past Matthew Kondro to even the score before Owen Berge tucked home a rebound to give the Hurricanes a 2-1 advantage through 20 minutes. The Rebels came out flying to start the second period, needing just 15 seconds to pull even. Patrick Sopiarz sprung Cameron Kuzma on a break and after stepping across the blue line, Kuzma fired home the equalizer. But once again, Lethbridge hand an answer. Grady Pichette dropped down from the point and restored the Hurricanes' lead just moments later. The home side extended its advantage to 4-2 when Jake Evans buried a rebound. Just over a minute later, the Rebels struck on the power play as Poul Andersen got his skate on a cross-seam pass from Jake Banicevic, redirecting it past Oaten to pull Red Deer within one heading into the third period. With 20 minutes remaining, the Rebels turned up the pressure and went looking for the equalizer. Their persistence paid off with 5:30 left on the clock. Patrick Sopiarz jammed home the loose puck, bringing the Rebels all the way back to even the score at four. Red Deer continued to push for the winner, but Oaten stood tall to send the contest beyond regulation. Neither side could find the breakthrough in overtime, setting the stage for a shoot-out where both goaltenders were up to the task throughout the night, with Kondro turning aside 36 shots for the Rebels, while Oaten stopped 33 at the other end. It took six rounds of the shootout to finally find a winner, as Red Deer product Easton Daneault was the one to solve Kondro, securing the extra point for Lethbridge. Special teams also delivered, with Red Deer converting on two of its three power play opportunities while holding the Hurricanes scoreless on all five of theirs. BRANDT THREE STARS 1. Grady Pichette (LETH) 1 goal, 1 assist 2. Cameron Kuzma (RD) 1 goal, 2 assists 3. Gavin Lesiuk (LETH) 1 goal, 1 assist NOTES With the loss, the Rebels forfeit the WHL In-Season Cup to the Hurricanes ... Rebels scratches for the game were Noah Chadi, Cameron Dillard, Chace Turchak (U17 World Challenge), and Kohen Lodge (lower) ... Poul Andersen leads the WHL in goals and points (16 goals, 31 points) ... Attendance for the game was 3,416. NEXT UP The Red Deer Rebels will meet the Prince Albert Raiders back at the Marchant Crane Centrium on Saturday, November 7 for a 6 PM puck drop (TICKETS).]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/kuzma-getting-it-done Fri, 06 Nov 2026 15:52:49 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/kuzma-getting-it-done By DANNY RODE - More times than not this season Cameron Kuzma has shown why Red Deer Rebels owner/president/General Manager Brent Sutter traded for the St. Albert native last season. The six-foot-three-210-pound 18-year-old centre can dominate games with his physical style. That was evident on Tuesday when he almost single-handily pulled his teammates to the 5-3 victory over the Kamloops Blazers. He picked up an assist in the second period when Jake Banicevic shoveled home a loose puck after Kuzma’s "Michigan" attempt was foiled by netminder Kaeden Tate. Then after the Blazers took a 3-2 lead into the third period, Kuzma took control. He drove the net to pick up a loose puck to tie the game, then took the puck to the net, causing it to pop out for Kalder Varga to score the winning goal. “Coming into the WHL it was different than minor hockey, so I had to switch my skill set,” he said. “With me being a bigger presence, I have to be that big presence taking the puck to the net. That’s exactly what I have been working on and trying to do.” His line with Banicevic and Patrick Sopiarz fits well together. Varga also slips seamlessly onto that unit as well. “We have a good group,” said Kuzma. “Banicevic has been a nice addition. He is good tracking the puck and getting the puck back. It was a good adding him to the line. “Our line has built good chemistry and we want to keep going … keep pushing.” At the beginning of the season Kuzma was the teams top centre with Beckett Hamilton at the Colorado Avalanche camp. But Kuzma is more than happy to see Hamilton return. “Having him back is a big contribution to the team … he drives the team.” Kuzma has been solid this season with 16 points on five goals and 11 assists in 17 games. His offensive contribution has continued on from last season after joining the Rebels from the Seattle Thunderbirds. He played 32 games with Seattle and had four goals and six assists. After joining Red Deer he had eight goals and 13 helpers in 34 games. “I definitely wanted to carry on what I did at the end of last year,” continued Kuzma. “But I also wanted to continue to improve on that, step it up. “The new coach (Brent Kisio) has different expectations and it does fit my game. He wants the best from me and the team.” Kuzma likes what he sees from Kisio. “Every day he pushes the guys to the limit, he wants the best from the guys and the team. It’s good to have a coach like that as he wants everyone to be better each and every day. “That’s what our team is all about, getting better each and every day. We come to the rink every day with that mindset.” You can see in the team. Recently they went through a down period, losing four games in a row. But they shook that off and have now won four in a row. “Obviously you’ll have our ups and downs, every team does,” added Kuzma. “But we kept pushing and with our skill set and the guys we have we turn things around. We want to win every game and go as far as we can, make a push for the Memorial Cup. That’s what the coaches want and that’s what we want.” On Elite Prospects it shows Kuzma has committed to Lake Superior State University for the 2027-28 season. However, he says that is still up in the air. “I’m still undecided, we’ll see. I’m just focusing on each and every day here.” The Rebels are one of the premier team’s the league this season. They sit first in the Eastern Conference with an 11-4-1-1- record for 24 points (most in the WHL) and a .706 win percentage. Only the Western Conference leading Spokane Chiefs have a better percentage at .885 with an 11-1-0-1 record. The Rebels return to action Friday as they visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes. They host the Prince Albert Raiders Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-rally-past-blazers-to-take-over-first-place-in-eastern-division Wed, 04 Nov 2026 04:54:43 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-rally-past-blazers-to-take-over-first-place-in-eastern-division RED DEER - Down a goal heading into the third period, the Red Deer Rebels flipped the script in a big way, scoring three unanswered goals to storm back and take down the Kamloops Blazers 5-3 Tuesday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium. The come-from-behind victory moves the Rebels into sole possession of first place overall in the Western Hockey League, improving their record to 11-4-1-1 for 24 points. Kamloops opened the scoring late in the first period as a point shot from Joaquin Geras found its way past Rebels netminder Matthew Kondro just five seconds into a Blazers power play. The Rebels wasted little time responding. Just under a minute later, Owen DeWitt spotted Poul Andersen with a stretch pass, sending the league's leading scorer in alone on Blazers goaltender, Kaeden Tate. Andersen made no mistake, drawing Tate in before delivering a backhand top shelf to even the score at 1-1. Red Deer grabbed its first lead midway through the second period, in part from the creativity from Cameron Kuzma and a rookie ready to capitalize. From behind the net, Kuzma attempted the Michigan, but Tate made the initial stop. Jake Banicevic was right there to collect the rebound and bury his seventh goal of the season, putting the Rebels ahead 2-1. The Blazers answered back as River Arnason drove into the Red Deer zone, was tripped up but still put a shot high past Kondro. Just 20 seconds later, Kamloops struck again as Andrew Thomson sent the Blazers into the second intermission up 3-2. Coming out for the third period, Red Deer brought the pressure and took over the scoreboard, scoring three unanswered goals to complete the comeback. Just over five minutes into the frame, Kuzma took a pass from Andersen and put it past Tate to pull the Rebels even. With both sides trading chances and the clock winding down, it looked as though overtime might be needed to settle the score. With just 1:32 remaining, Kalder Varga scooped up a rebound and scored to give the Rebels the lead. Patrick Sopiarz added an empty-net goal to put the finishing touches on the comeback, sealing a 5-3 Red Deer victory. Kondro was a difference-maker between the pipes, earning the WHL's Save of the Night honours for a spectacular cross-crease stop in the first period. He finished the night with 27 saves, while the Rebels fired 38 shots at Tate. On special teams, Red Der went 0-for-3 on the power play, while Kamloops finished 1-for-5. BRANDT THREE STARS 1. Cameron Kuzma (RD) 1 goal, 2 assists 2. Kalder Varga (RD) Game winning goal 3. River Arnason (KAM) 1 goal WHAT THEY SAID Brent Kisio Patrick Sopiarz NOTES Rebels scratches for the game were Cameron Dillard, Chace Turchak (U17 World Challenge), Nolan Schmidt, and Kohen Lodge (lower) ... Rebels defenceman Jake Missura played his 150th career game ... Prior to the game it was announced that the Rebels have cracked the CHL Top 10 rankings coming in at #10 ... The Rebels are also #2 in the latest WHL Power Rankings trailing only the Spokane Chiefs ... Attendance for the game was 2,781. NEXT UP The Rebels are setting out for Lethbridge on Friday, November 6 for a 7 P.M. start against the Hurricanes (106.7 Rewind Radio, YouTube).]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-battle-back-for-3-2-overtime-win-in-edmonton Mon, 02 Nov 2026 02:44:25 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-battle-back-for-3-2-overtime-win-in-edmonton EDMONTON, AB – The Red Deer Rebels overcame two one-goal defecits en-route to a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over the Oil Kings in Edmonton on Sunday. It was the third-straight win for the Rebels, and their first in Edmonton in three years with their last coming in October 2023. Edmonton opening the scoring halfway through the first period on a one time from Finnish forward Olli Wahlroos. The Oil Kings held that lead until early in the second period when league scoring leader Poul Andersen one-timed home a feed from Paxson Madill for his 14^th goal of the season. The Oil Kings took the lead again just 51 seconds into the third period on another one-timer, this one from Philadelphia Flyers draft pick KJ Sauer, but Rebels Captain Beckett Hamilton squared things up again minutes later, burying his 12^th of the season with a one-timer of his own on the latter-half of a four-minute powerplay. 60 minutes wasn’t enough for this one, and the Rebels went to overtime for the third time this season, and the extra frame didn’t disappoint - with quality chances at both ends of the ice and stellar goaltending from both Ethan Simcoe and Rebels netminder Nathan Salisbury. After a number of close calls, Beckett Hamilton called game with 55 seconds left, showing incredible patience before firing home his second of the game, sealing the comeback win and effectively snapping Red Deer’s 10-game losing streak at Rogers Place. While Salisbury wasn’t as busy as his counterpart, he was brilliant when he needed to be, making 21 saves for his third win of the season, while Simcoe stopped 40 of 43 shots in a losing cause. Red Deer went 1/5 with the man advantage on Sunday, while their penalty kill was a perfect 3/3. BRANDT THREE STARS 1. Ethan Simcoe (EDM) 2. KJ Sauer (EDM) 3. Poul Andersen (RD) NOTES Rebels scratches for the game were Cameron Dillard, Chace Turchak (U17 World Challenge), Nolan Schmidt, and Kohen Lodge (lower) … Beckett Hamilton, Poul Andersen and Paxson Madill all extended their point streaks to three games, with Andersen increasing his league-leading point total to 27 … Hamilton's third period goal was the 50th tally of his career ... In his fourth start of the season, Edmonton native Nathan Salisbury made his first-ever WHL start at Rogers Place … With the win the Rebels retained the WHL In-season Cup after re-claiming it from the Hitmen on Friday night … Attendance for the game was 5651. NEXT UP The Rebels are back in action Tuesday night at home at 7 p.m. as the Kamloops Blazers visit Red Deer for the first time since December 2024. (106.7 Rewind Radio, YouTube). ]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-scare-off-hitmen-for-5-2-win Sat, 31 Oct 2026 05:02:57 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-scare-off-hitmen-for-5-2-win RED DEER, AB - The Red Deer Rebels had trouble breaking through against the Calgary Hitmen Friday night. That is until the Captain decided it was time. Beckett Hamilton scored a shorthanded beauty then added three assists to power the Rebels to a 5-2 win over the Hitmen at the Marchant Crane Centrium. The Rebels improve 2-1-0-1 versus the Hitmen this season and 9-4-1-1 overall, good for 20 points and a four-point lead over Calgary atop the WHL Central Division table. "I thought we played a hard game," said Rebels head coach Brent Kisio. "It wasn't a perfect game, but the work ethic was there, and I thought we had urgency, and we had a team game tonight." Calgary scored the lone goal of the first period when Grady Anaka cashed in on a Hitmen power play. That one-goal lead held until midway through period two when Hamilton sped in all alone and deked out Calgary netminder Aidan Hesse for his second shorthanded goal of the season. The Rebels took the lead in the opening minute of the third when Poul Andersen tipped home a Matus Lisy point shot for his team leading 13th goal of the season, and league leading 25th point. Jiri Kamas made it 3-1 less than five minutes later as he took a drop pass from Cameron Kuzma and ripped it home past Hesse. Another five minutes after that, Kalder Varga slammed home a rebound to make it 4-1. Calgary got one back when Blake Vanek tapped in a loose puck for his team's second power play goal on the night. But Cole Temple sealed the deal after Beckett Hamilton beat out an icing and set him up for an empty netter. The Brandon, Manitoba native's second goal of the game rounded out the scoring in a 5-2 Rebels win. Red Deer outshot Calgary 29-28 and was 0-for-4 on power plays while the Hitmen were 2-for-4. BRANDT THREE STARS 1. Matthew Kondro (RD) 26 saves 2. Beckett Hamilton (RD) 1 goal, 2 assists 3. Artem Katsuro (CGY) 5 shots WHAT THEY SAID Brent Kisio Matus Lisy NOTES Rebels scratches for the game were Cameron Dillard, Chace Turchak (U17 World Challenge), Nolan Schmidt, and Kohen Lodge (lower) ... With the win the Rebels regain the WHL In-season Cup after losing it to the Hitmen earlier this month ... Attendance for the game was 3319. NEXT UP The Rebels visit the Edmonton Oil Kings for the first time this season for a 4 p.m. matinee this Sunday, November 1 at Rogers Place (106.7 Rewind Radio, YouTube).]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/real-canadian-superstore-and-canadian-hockey-league-sixth-annual-jersey-design-contest Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:27:27 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/real-canadian-superstore-and-canadian-hockey-league-sixth-annual-jersey-design-contest TORONTO, ON — Real Canadian Superstore® and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) are bringing back the CHL x Superstore Jersey Design Contest for its sixth season, inviting young fans in 32 markets across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to design a jersey for their favourite team. Building on a milestone of $1 million raised for President’s Choice Children’s Charity (PCCC) through jersey auctions over its first five seasons, the program gives fans a chance to turn their creativity into support for children across Canada. Since launching in March 2021 with 25 participating markets, the contest has grown to reach 32 communities across nine provinces. The efforts of CHL clubs, local stores, and their communities have been central to that impact. From encouraging young fans to submit designs to hosting special game nights and jersey auctions, they help bring each winning design to life while raising funds to help feed children. "Hockey brings Canadians together, and this partnership allows us to turn that passion into meaningful community impact," said Jonathan Carroll, Senior Vice President, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Raising over $1 million for President's Choice Children's Charity in five years is an incredible milestone, and we're excited to build on that momentum with more opportunities for fans and families to get involved." “For a young fan, seeing their favourite team take the ice in a jersey they designed is an unforgettable moment,” said Ryan Hudecki, Vice-President of Partnerships for the CHL. “Our clubs, local stores and fans have made those moments possible while helping raise $1 million for President’s Choice Children’s Charity. We’re proud to build on that achievement with Real Canadian Superstore in our sixth season and give more young fans the chance to be part of something that supports children across Canada.” Running from October 22 to November 12, 2026, the contest is open to eligible Canadian residents aged 16 and under. Fans can download a template for a participating club and submit their design through the contest website by 11 p.m. ET on November 12. One winner in each of the 32 participating markets will have their design brought to life as a jersey worn by their team during a special home game between January and March 2027. Each winner will also receive a team-autographed jersey featuring their design and four tickets to their club’s designated game night. Afterwards, the game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting PCCC. Winning designs have brought young fans’ imaginations and hometown pride to the ice. During the 2025–26 season, Remy Maldre’s Halifax Mooseheads jersey featured the city’s Old Town Clock, inspired by walks to games with his parents. Natalie Hamilton, 11, created an ice cream-themed jersey for the Saskatoon Blades, while six-year-old Maxim designed pink and orange jerseys for the Sudbury Wolves’ Family Day game. Beyond the contest, participating Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Atlantic Superstore® and Dominion® Stores in Newfoundland and Labrador will connect with fans at CHL game nights between January and March 2027 with in-arena booths, giveaways and activities during TV timeouts, while also hosting events in their local communities. The season will culminate with the Memorial Cup in May 2027. For contest details, eligibility, and how to enter, visit the contest website.]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-hold-off-blades-late-game-push-for-6-4-victory Wed, 28 Oct 2026 04:56:37 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-hold-off-blades-late-game-push-for-6-4-victory RED DEER – The Red Deer Rebels brought the offence, weathered a late surge and came away with a hard-earned 6-4 victory over the Saskatoon Blades Tuesday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Leading the charge was rookie forward Paxson Madill, who broke out in a big way with one goal and two assists, helping the Rebels snap a three-game skid and improve their record to 8-4-1-1. After a scoreless opening frame, Saskatoon struck first with Hayden Harsanyi converting a turnover five minutes into the second period. The Rebels answered on a power play as Patrick Sopiarz worked the puck deep into the Blades zone before finding Cole Temple cutting toward the net. Temple wasted little time, firing a quick shot past Martin Psohlavec to even the score. Three minutes later, Red Deer found its first lead of the night as Madill found the back of the net for the first time in his Western Hockey League career to put the Rebels ahead 2-1. The Blades responded just over a minute later as Hunter Laing put home a loose puck for a 2-2 score. With just 2.7 second remaining in the middle frame, Madill connected with Beckett Hamilton on a give-and-go, creating just enough room for Hamilton to roof the puck and send the Rebels into the break with a 3-2 advantage. The Rebels carried that momentum into the third. Rookie Cash Arcand-Vandale burst past the Saskatoon defence and raced in on a breakaway before being hooked on his way to the net. Awarded a penalty shot, Arcand-Vandale made no mistake patiently closing in on Psohlavec before going top shelf for his first WHL goal and a 4-2 Rebels lead. Madill wasn't finished creating chances as the rookie set up league points leader Poul Andersen found the back of the net to stretch the lead to 5-2. Red Deer appeared poised to pull away, but the Blades weren't ready to fold. Kazden Mathies sparked a late Saskatoon push, scoring twice in a span of just 55 seconds to cut the Rebels' lead to 5-4 with just over two minutes remaining. Red Deer held its ground, though, and with 6.9 seconds left on the clock, Jake Banicevic banked the puck off the boards on a clearing attempt, sending it into the empty Saskatoon net to seal the 6-4 victory. Kondro turned aside 27 shots to help keep the Rebels in front, while Red Deer tested Psohlavec 38 times at the other end. The Rebels finished 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Blades converted once on three opportunities. BRANDT THREE STARS

1. Paxson Madill (RD)
2. Kazden Mathies (SAS)
3. Cash Arcand-Vandale (RD)

WHAT THEY SAID Head coach Brent Kisio NOTES – Anderson has points in 12 of 14 (12G, 12A) ... Hamilton has points in nine of 12 (10G, 11A) ... Cameron Kuzma has points in 11 of 14 (4G, 8A) ... Rebels scratches for the game were Jiri Kamas, Chace Turchak, Nolan Schmidt and Kohen Lodge (lower-body)  ... Attendance for the game was 2,584. NEXT UP – The Red Deer Rebels have their best tricks slated for Friday, October 30 as the Calgary Hitmen are in town for a 7 P.M. puck drop. Fans are encouraged to wear their costumes to participate in the Rebels costume contest (TICKETS).]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-lead-slips-away-in-overtime Sun, 25 Oct 2026 03:45:02 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/rebels-lead-slips-away-in-overtime RED DEER – A three-goal burst gave the Red Deer Rebels a lead to build on, but the Lethbridge Hurricanes battled back to force overtime and deal the Rebels a 4-3 loss Saturday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Red Deer collected a point in its first overtime loss of the season, moving to 7-4-1-1 on the campaign. Rebels head coach Brent Kisio was blunt with his assessment. “I don’t think we played a very good game. Lethbridge controlled a lot of the game on our home ice,” he lamented. “Complacency has set in with our group, and we’ve got to realize that if we don’t work we’re not going to have success.” The Hurricanes got off to a quick start as Dayne Beuker capitalized on a turnover less than 90 seconds into the game to put the visitors on the board. The Rebels answered back with a quick strike of their own. Patrick Sopiarz carried the puck into the offensive zone, with Jake Banicevic driving down the wing. Sopiarz slid the puck across to Banicevic, who wasted no time unleashing a wrist shot past Leif Oaten to even the score. Sopiarz and Banicevic combined once more in the period, putting on a near carbon-copy performance. Sopiarz once again broke into the Hurricanes' end, pressing the brakes as he entered and turning to spot Banicevic charging down the same wing.  Sopiarz delivered a tape-to-tape pass, and Banicevic made no mistake, burying another wrist shot to give the Rebels their first lead of the night. 20 seconds later, Grayden Peterson battled for a rebound in front and ground the puck home, capping off a three-goal surge and sending the Rebels into the intermission with a 3-1 advantage. The Rebels saw a new face at the other end to start the second period as the Hurricanes started Koen Cleaver took over in net from Oaten. Cleaver made a pair of big saves early to spark the Hurricanes. Nearing the halfway mark of the period, Lethbridge struck on a power play as Gavin Lesiuk tipped one past Matthew Kondro to pull the visitors within one. The Hurricanes carried that momentum into the third, and after killing a 5-on-3 Rebels power play drew even on another man advantage of their own. After digging the puck out from behind the net, Lethbridge worked it into the slot, where Lesiuk was waiting to finish the play and tie the game at three apiece. In overtime, the Hurricanes delivered the final blow as Beuker stepped up once more, firing a wrist shot past Kondro to complete the comeback and give Lethbridge a 4-3 win. Lethbridge outshot Red Deer 38-25 and was 2-for-6 on power plays while holding the Rebels to 0-for-2. Cleaver kept a clean sheet in relief for Lethbridge, turning aside all 17 shots he faced. BRANDT THREE STARS

1. Koen Cleaver (LET)
2. Gavin Lesiuk (LET)
3. Jake Banicevic (RD)

NOTES – Peterson has points in four-straight (5G, 1A) ... Rebels scratches for the game were Jiri Kamas, Cameron Dillard, Kohen Lodge (lower-body) and Paxon Madill ... Attendance for the game was 3,513. NEXT UP – For the first time this season, the Red Deer Rebels will host the Saskatoon Blades at the Marchant Crane Centrium on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 P.M. (TICKETS).]]> https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/slow-start-costly-rebels-loss-vees Sat, 24 Oct 2026 05:07:03 +0000 kspady https://chl.ca/whl-rebels/article/slow-start-costly-rebels-loss-vees RED DEER – The Red Deer Rebels dug themselves a hole that proved too deep to dig themselves out of as they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Pentiction Vees Friday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium. Penticton racked up a 3-0 lead on their way to victory in their first ever visit to Red Deer. The Vees opened the scoring when Gavin Katz collected a loose puck out of the corner, drove across Matthew Kondro's crease and tucked a backhand into the top corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Penticton added to its advantage in the second period as Nate Pederson moved the puck from the blueline to Brooks DeMars deep in the Rebels territory. DeMars cut back towards the net to make it 2-0. Noel Pakarinen extended the Vees' lead to three, capitalizing on a rebound to put Red Deer in a hole. It took just 36 seconds for Red Deer to turn the momentum and bring the Centrium to life. Fresh off the bench, Poul Andersen called for the puck and hammered home a one-timer to get the Rebels on the board. Andersen doubled down on the next play as he tipped a Jiri Kamas off both posts and in past Vees goaltender, Kaenan Smith. Red Deer carried that push into the final frame, continuing to test Smith as they searched for the equalizer. They couldn't get it, though, as Penticton found the insurance marker with an empty-net goal from Kash Alger-East to seal the 4-2 decision. The Rebels finished with 33 shots on goal, while Kondro faced 26 shots at the other end. Special teams proved to be a stalemate, with neither club able to find the back of the net on the power play. The Rebels went 0-for-4 with the man advantage, while the Vees were denied on all three of their opportunities. BRANDT THREE STARS

1. Kaenan Smith (PEN)
2. Poul Andersen (RD)
3. Gavin Katz (PEN)

WHAT THEY SAID Rebels head coach Brent Kisio NOTES – Andersen has 22 points in 12 games (11 goals, 11 assists) to lead the WHL ... Rebels scratches for the game were Cameron Dillard, Noah Chadi, Nolan Schmidt and Kohen Lodge (lower-body) … Penticton ended their seven-game losing streak while handing the Rebels a second-straight loss ... Attendance for the game was 3,240. NEXT UP – Red Deer right back at it as they host the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Saturday, October 24 at 6 p.m. at the Marchant Crane Centrium (TICKETS).]]>