In a thrilling WHL matchup, the Red Deer Rebels extended their winning streak to nine games with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings in front of 5,008 fans at the Peavey Mart Centrium. Despite a challenging third period where the Wheat Kings narrowed a 3-0 deficit to 3-2, the Rebels secured the win. Captain Kai Uchacz sealed the deal with a breakaway goal, ensuring the team’s resilience and character shone through. Jhett Larson, who scored his 10th goal of the season, emphasized the team’s tight-knit bond and ability to overcome challenges. The Rebels now boast the longest win streak in the WHL this season. Goaltender Chase Wutzke made 27 crucial saves, contributing to the team’s success. The Rebels will embark on a five-game East Division trip, aiming to maintain their momentum. Their next home game is scheduled for February 9 against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Evan Smith scores his third goal of the season at 13:50 of the first period to make it a 1-0 Rebels game. The assist on the goal went to Mats Lindgren and Kalan Lind.– Smith struck from close range off a feed from Mats Lindgren
Jhett Larson got his 10th of the season on the Power Play at 18:23 of the first period to make it a 2-0 game. Assists on the goal went to Mats Lindgren and Samuel Drancak.– Larson found the top of the net — to the blocker side of goaltender Ethan Eskit — with a seeing eye shot from the left circle with Red Deer on the power play late in the period.
Shots in the first period was 10-8 for the Rebels.
Carson Birnie made it a 3-0 Rebels game at 14:05 of the second period with the assists on the goal going to Samuel Drancak and Carson Latimer.– Carson Birnie extended the Rebels’ lead to 3-0 at 14:05 of the second period, jamming the puck under Eskit who made the original save on Samuel Drancak on a two-on-one break.
Shots in the second period were 18-15 for the Rebels
Former Kelowna Rocket Nolan Flamand got the Wheat Kings on the board at 10:48 of the third period on the Power Play. The assists on the goal went to Russian Andrei Maliavin and Lethbridge native Rylen Roersma.
Rylen Roersma scored for the Wheat Kings at 12:16 of the third period unassisted.
Kai Uchacz scored his 27th goal of the season to make it a 4-2 game at 15:15 of the third period with the assist going to Jhett Larson.
Brett Hyland scored for the Wheat Kings at 17:26 of the third period to get them within a goal. The assist on the goal went to Adrei Maliavin and Roger McQueen.
Kai Uchacz gets his second goal of the night on the empty net to make it a 5-3 Rebels game with 1:28 left in the game.– Uchacz sealed the deal with an empty net goal with 1:18 remaining, finding the open cage with a backhand from centre ice.
Shots on goal in the third period were 13-7 Red Deer. The Rebels ended up outshooting the Wheat Kings 41-30.
Chase Wutzke stopped 27 of the 30 shots that he faced for the win for the Rebels. While Calgary native Ethan Eskit made 36 of 40 shots for the Wheat Kings.
Three Stars of the game were 1) Jhett Larson 2) Rylen Roersma 3) Samuel Drancak
Attendance in Red Deer was 5,008
Rebels next game is Wednesday January 31st in Prince Albert against the Raiders where they start a 5 game road swing. The Rebels next home game isn’t until Friday February 9th when Matt Savoie and the Moose Jaw Warriors come to town.
