The Red Deer Rebels secured a 3-1 victory over Spokane Chiefs, with goals from rookies Samuel Drancak and Jeramiah Roberts in the third period. Despite a shaky second period, Coach Derrick Walser emphasizes the focus on keeping Chiefs off the powerplay. Frantisek Formanek and Jeramiah Roberts contribute “ugly goals” while goaltender Chase Wutzke shines with 24 saves. Coach Walser praises Roberts’ determination. Ollie Josephson, named the first star, notes a shift back to their game in the third. Rebels have two upcoming home games this week.
Frantisek Formanek made it a 1-0 game 4:49 into the first period. Assists on the goal to Ollie Josephson and Jhett Larson.– Rebels Frantisek Formanek got the Rebels on the board just under five minutes into the first period. The forward from Czechia buried the opportunity in front of the net passed from Ollie Josephson off the offensive rush.
Shots in first period were 18-9 for the Rebels.
Mathis Preston the third overall pick in the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft notched his second goal of the season. With the assists going to Chase Harrington and Layton Feist.– The Chiefs tied it up with two minutes left in the second period on the five-on-three powerplay. Forward Mathis Preston fired in the one-timer from the left circle off the pass from Chase Harrington.
Shots in goal in the second period were tied at 8 each.
Samuel Drancak scored to make it a 2-1 on a very strange goal which seemed to be put into the net by Spokane netminder Dawson Cowan. Assists on the goal went to Dwayne Jean Jr. and Carson Birnie.– While battling for the puck along the left wall in the offensive zone Samuel Drancak threw a shot on goal from an awkward angle that beat the goaltender. However, his seventh of the season was put under review by the officials but was ruled a good goal.
Jeremiah Roberts netted his second goal of the season to make it a 3-1 game on a very strange shot which appeared like it was intended to be a pass at 2:53 of the third period. Unassisted.– Jeramiah Roberts scored from his knees behind the net. His shot from the backhand was redirected off the skate of a Chiefs player in the crease.
Shots in third period were again tied at 8 apiece. With the Rebels outshooting the Chiefs in the game 34-25.
Chase Wutzke stopped 24 of the 25 shots that he faced for the win. While Warren, Manitoba native Dawson Cowan stopped 31 of the 34 shots he faced for the Chiefs. Minus those 2 strange goals the Rebels got in the third Cowan played a great game.
Three Stars of the game were 1) Ollie Josephson 2) Hunter Mayo 3) Layton Feist
Attendance in Red Deer was 2,897
Rebels next game is Friday January 12th against the Tri City Americans.
Berkly Catton is ranked 6th overall by Mynhldraft.com. In December I figured he would go about 5th. At that time though I also thought he would be a better NHLer than Lindstrom. That is starting to change. Catton will probably be the second or possibly third player selected from the WHL in the 2024 NHL draft. As of lately Lindstrom and even Yakemchuk have appeared better. But then again I see Calgary and Medicine Hat alot more. Plus they are better teams than the Chiefs.