Rebels avenge opening night loss to Oil Kings
Rebels 4 Oil Kings 3
EDMONTON — Apparently the rumours are true.
Turnabout, indeed, is fair play.
One night after having their WHL season opener spoiled by the visiting Edmonton Oil Kings in front of an energetic crowd at the Peavey Mart Centrium, the Red Deer Rebels returned the disfavour Saturday at Rogers Place.
Kai Uchacz, fresh off the bench, cashed a long rebound at 17:41 of the third period and the goal stood up as the Rebels earned a 4-3 victory over the Oil Kings.
"I'm just gonna sneak behind everyone and score the game winning goal!"
-Kai Uchacz (probably) pic.twitter.com/LbzSz24xse
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) September 24, 2023
The winning goal came just four minutes after Talon Brigley scored from the slot to pull the Rebels even at 3-3.
“I just challenged the guys . . . we only showed up for one period of the first game,” said Rebels head coach Derrick Walser.
“I know there were some nerves, some of these guys haven’t played a lot. Tonight we said let’s not worry about the two points. I just wanted them to play hard.
“They came to play tonight. They played hard and just got stronger.”
In contrast to the previous evening, the Rebels were the second best team on the ice in the first period and then picked up the pace as the game progressed, and certainly ruled down the stretch.
Marshall Finnie, with his second goal in as many nights, staked the home side to 1-0 lead late in the opening period, driving to the net and cashing his own rebound.
The Rebels, on the power play, drew even at 8:51 of the middle frame on a fine individual effort by Jhett Larson, who worked out of the corner and into the goal-front area and slipped a shot to the far side of the net.
Ollie Josephson gave the visitors a lead just over a minute later, beating netminder Logan Cunningham with a rising shot from the left circle. But Marc Lajoie responded for the Oil Kings 37 seconds later and Finnie batted the puck past goaltender Chase Wutzke at the 12:31 mark to restore Edmonton’s lead.
The third period, however, belonged to the Rebels, who outshot their hosts 13-7 over the final 20 minutes.
“Again, it comes down to the guys starting to buy in,” said Walser. “Sometimes you need to get a win under your belt to feel good and they should feel proud.
“I’m proud and I’m proud of the coaching staff, the training staff and everyone involved.”
Chase Wutzke turned in a strong performance in the Red Deer net, turning aside 29 shots. Logan Cunningham made 32 saves for Edmonton.
“They scored those two quick ones and he just settled in and did what he had to do,” Walser said of his rookie stopper. “He didn’t give up the fourth goal and I’m proud of him as well.
“It’s not easy to go on the road and get that first win especially after losing the night before. But I thought he handled it very well.”
Notable: Josephson, with a goal and an assist, and Carson Latimer, with a pair of helpers, were the Rebels’ multi-point skaters . . . The Rebels were one-for three on the power play, the Oil Kings zero-for-two . . . The three stars: (1) Uchacz, (2) Finnie and (3) Josephson . . . The Rebels are idle until next Friday when they host the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Head Coach Derrick Walser recaps a 4-3 Rebels win in Edmonton #RDREBELS I #WHL pic.twitter.com/66MrRKp6OV
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) September 24, 2023
