The Red Deer Rebels faced a tough matchup against the dominant Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League on Saturday night. The game, held at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington, ended with a decisive 7-2 victory for the Americans, extending their winning streak to 11 games.
The Rebels found themselves trailing 4-1 after a chaotic first period that saw numerous altercations between the two teams. Despite their efforts to mount a comeback, the Americans maintained their lead, outshooting the Rebels 49-36 and capitalizing on their powerplay opportunities. The Rebels’ inability to capitalize on their own powerplay chances ultimately contributed to their loss.
20 year old Langley native and former Calgary Hitmen Brandon Whynott opened up the scoring for the Americans on the Power Play at 6:20 of the first period. Assists on the goal to Jackson Smith and another former Calgary Hitmen in Carter MacAdams.
Former Prince Albert Raider Grady Martin made it 2-0 for the Americans at 9:39 of the first period with the assist going to Carter MacAdams. That marks Martin’s first goal as a member of the Americans.
About two minutes after the Americans goal, Samuel Drancak cut the Red Deer deficit in half. , He cut down the left wing and beat Americans goaltender Nathan Preston through the five-hole for his second goal of the season at 11:31 of the first period. The assists on the goal went to Trae Wilke and Jace Weir.
This is where it got tough. 20 year old veteran Jake Sloan scored shorthanded for the Americans giving them a 3-1 lead at 14:16 of the first period. The assists on the goal went to Jordan Gavin and Surrey, BC native Carter Savage.
Brandon Whynott scored his 11th goal of the season and second of the game to make it a 4-1 game on a shorthanded breakaway at 14:37 of the first period when a Rebels D man fumbled the puck at the blue line.
Shots on goal in the first period were 10 each. Chase Wutzke entered the game for Rhett Stoesser to start the second period.
Cohen Poulin scored for the Rebels at 17:02 of the second period with the assist going to Beckett Hamilton when a turnover occurred.
Former Calgary Canuck Gavin Garland made it a 5-2 game at 17:52 of the second period with the assists going to Carter Savage and Brandon Whynott.
Shots on goal in the second period were 17-10 for the Rebels
Jordan Gavin made it a 6-2 game at 5:11 of the third period when he got his 7th goal of the season. Assists on the goal went to Jake Sloan and Carter Savage
North Vancouver native Jake Gudelj made it a 7-2 game at 9:07 of the third period with the assists on the goal going to Carter MacAdams and former Prince Albert Raider Terell Goldsmith.
Shots on goal in the third period were 22-8 for the Rebels. The Rebels outshot the Americans 49-28 in the game.
Penticton, BC native Nathan Preston made 47 saves on the 49 shots that he faced for the win for the Americans. For the Rebels Rhett Stoesser made 6 saves on the 10 shots that he faced in the first period. Chase Wutzke made 15 saves on the 18 shots that he faced in the later 2 periods.
Three Stars of the game 1) Brandon Whynott 2) Nathan Preston 3) Carter Savage
Attendance in Kennewick was 4,130
Rebels next game is Monday November 11th when they are in Everett to play the Silvertips.
Jackson Smith is an athletic player with a lot of potential, but his raw skills need refinement. His choppy skating and lack of speed hinder his defensive abilities, causing him to be out of position and rely on late checks. Despite his physicality, Smith struggles against more mature players. Offensively, he excels in the rush but lacks puck skills, making him vulnerable to steals. His shot has velocity but lacks power. Smith will require a patient team to develop his skating and discipline, with the potential to become a Noah Juulsen-style player. LINK