The Red Deer Rebels completely flipped the script on Tuesday night at the Marchant Crane Centrium, turning a tense, back-and-forth affair into a statement 5-3 comeback victory over the Kamloops Blazers. It was a wild, emotional rollercoaster that had a little bit of everything—including some serious fireworks when Patrick Sopiarz squared off with Madden Tymchak in a heavy-hitting bout that brought the crowd to its feet. The Blazers threatened to play spoiler by striking twice in a rapid 20-second span late in the second period to carry a 3-2 lead into the intermission. However, Red Deer showed exactly why they are a problem this year, exploding for three unanswered goals in the final frame to lock down their fourth straight win.
This victory carries massive implications as the season starts to shape up. By clawing out those two points, the Rebels have officially surged into sole possession of first place in the entire WHL standings with an 11-4-1-1 record. For Kamloops, the loss snaps their hopes of a perfect Alberta road trip and drops them to 9-5-2-0. While the Blazers proved they can run with the league’s heavyweight elite, it was Red Deer’s depth, resilience, and willingness to play a gritty, fast-paced brand of hockey that ultimately ruled the night.
Calgary, Alberta native Joaquin Geras got the Blazers on the board at 1:40 of the first period on the Power Play. The assist on the goal went to Langley, BC native Jacob Dumanksy.–The Blazers struck first late in the opening frame when a blast from the blue line by Joaquin Geras beat Rebels goalie Matthew Kondro, coming a mere five seconds after the power play began.
Poul Andersen ties the game up right away for the Rebels at 18:39 of the first period with the assist on the goal going to Owen DeWitt and Jiri Kamas.–Red Deer responded almost immediately. Merely 60 seconds later, Owen DeWitt connected with Poul Andersen via a long stretch pass, springboards the league’s top point-getter into a breakaway against Blazers netminder Kaeden Tate. Andersen capitalized beautifully, pulling Tate out of position before roofing a backhand shot to knot the game at one.
Shots on goal in the first period were 15-13 for the Blazers
Jake Banicevic scored his 7th goal of the season at 8:03 of the second period to make it a 2-1 Rebels game. The assists on the goal went to Cameron Kuzma and Patrick Sopiarz.- The Rebels took their first lead of the night midway through the second frame, thanks to some creative wizardry from Cameron Kuzma and a rookie who was ready to pounce. Operating from behind the net, Kuzma attempted a spectacular Michigan style lacrosse move, but Tate managed to block the initial effort. Shockingly—especially since the net had clearly been dislodged from its pegs—the play was allowed to stand. But who really cares? It’s in favor of the Rebels, lol. Jake Banicevic was right on the doorstep to clean up the loose puck and slam home his seventh of the year, giving Red Deer a 2-1 advantage.
Former Prince George Spruce King River Arnason tied the game up for the Blazers at 15:32 of the second period. The assists on teh goal went to Captain Ty Bonkowski and Jacob Dumansky–The Blazers answered back as River Arnason drove into the Red Deer zone, was tripped up and the ref put his arm in the air, but Arnason still put a shot high past Kondro.
Andrew Thomson got the Blazers the lead at 15:52 of the second period with the assists on the goal going to High Level, Alberta native Logan Lanti and Joaquin Geras.–Just 20 seconds later, Kamloops struck again as Andrew Thomson sent the Blazers into the second intermission up 3-2.
Shots on goal in the second period were 14-7 for the Rebels
Cameron Kuzma tied the game back up for the Rebels at 5:49 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Poul Andersen and Graeme Pickering.-Kuzma drew Red Deer level just over five minutes into the period, converting a feed from Andersen to beat Tate.
Kalder Varga gave the Rebels a 4-3 lead at 18:28 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Cameron Kuzma and Matus Lisy.–With just 1:32 remaining, Kalder Varga scooped up a rebound and scored to give the Rebels the lead
Patrick Sopiarz got an unassisted goal and completed his Gordie Howe Hat Trick by shooting it into the empty net at 19:12 of the third period to make it a 5-3 game.
Shots on goal in the third period were 11-7 for the Rebels. The Rebels outshot the Blazers 38-29 in the game.
Matthew Kondro stopped 26 of the 29 shots that he faced for the win for the Rebels. For the Blazers Huntington Beach, California native Kaeden Tate stopped 33 of the 37 shots that he faced
Three Stars of the game were 1) Cameron Kuzma 2) Kalder Varga 3) River Arnason
Attendance in Red Deer was 2781
Rebels next game is Friday November 6th in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes
