In a thrilling rematch just four days after their last encounter, the Red Deer Rebels were once again bested by their arch-rivals, the Edmonton Oil Kings, this time with a score of 5-2 at the Peavey Mart Centrium, where nearly 7,000 fans witnessed the game. Despite showing dominance during even-strength play, the Rebels’ downfall came from special teams’ play. The Oil Kings capitalized on power plays, scoring twice, while the Rebels squandered eight power play opportunities, including a crucial six-on-four chance late in the game. Rebels coach Dave Struch highlighted that their season-long struggle with special teams was decisive in this loss. Beckett Hamilton and Matthew Gard managed to score for the Rebels, The Oil Kings were supported by Alex Worthington in goal, who faced a barrage of 37 shots.
Lukas Sawchyn got the Oil Kings on the board at 10:05 of the first period with the assist on the goal going to former Portland Winterhawk Josh Mori.
Gracyn Sawchyn made it a 2-0 Oil Kings game when he scored on the Power Play at 12:13 of the first period. The helpers on the goal went to Adam Jecho and Lukas Sawchyn.
Rylen Roersma gave the Oil Kings a 3-0 lead at 15:06 of the first period while on the Power Play. The assists on the goal went to Lukas Sawchyn and Adam Jecho.
Beckett Hamilton got the Rebels on the board at 16:39 of the first period with the assists on the goal going to Jhett Larson and Luke Vlooswyk.
Shots on goal in the first period were 14-10 for the Rebels
Shots on goal in the second period were 9-6 for the Rebels.
Matthew Gard made it a 3-2 game inching the Rebels closer at 8:40 of the third period when he scored his 13th goal of the season. The assist on the goal went to Keaton Dowhaniuk and Kalan Lind.
Adam Jecho made it a 4-2 game for the Oil Kings at 14:47 of the third period with the helpers on the goal going to Gavin Hodnett and former Kamloops Blazer Niko Tsakumis.
Graycyn Sawchyn scores short handed into the empty net to make it a 5-2 game at 17:38 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Roan Woodard and Rhys Pederson.
Shots on goal in the third period were 14-6 for the Rebels. The Rebels outshot the Oil Kings in the game 37-22.
Alex Worthington made 35 stops on the 37 shots that he faced for the win for the Oil Kings. For the Rebels Chase Wutzke stopped 17 of the 21 he faced.
Three Stars of the game were 1) Lukas Sawchyn 2) Kalan Lind 3) Alex Worthington
Attendance in Red Deer was 6920
Rebels next game is Friday February 21st at home against the Saskatoon Blades.
