The Red Deer Rebels faced off against the Swift Current Broncos in a WHL contest, despite playing their fifth game in seven days. Despite a strong effort in the third period, where they outshot the Broncos 20-6, they fell short, losing 4-3. Key moments included early penalties and struggles to capitalize on opportunities. The Rebels’ coach, Derrick Walser, acknowledged the effort but emphasized the need for improvement. Additionally, standout performances from players like Connor Geekie and Kai Uchacz were noted, as the Rebels now focus on regrouping before their next game against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Arizona Coyotes 2022 First Rounder Conor Geekie pots his 27th of the season on the Power Play just 1:37 into the game. Assists on the goal went to Matthew Ward and Connor Hvidston.–The Broncos surged to a 1-0 lead in the opening period with Geekie’s first goal of the night, coming on the powerplay a mere 97 seconds into the game. This marked the Broncos’ initial powerplay goal in six games, ending a drought spanning 32 opportunities.
6’4 16 year old Winnipeg native Peyton Kettles made it a 2-0 Broncos game at 10:03 of the first period with the assists on the goal to Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan native Dawson Gerwing and Connor Gabriel.- Peyton Kettles scored his WHL first goal at the 10:03 mark.
Shots on goal in the first period were 18-6 for the Broncos
Kalan Lind scores his 11th goal of the season with the assist going to Talon Brigley 1:02 into the second period–The Rebels found their footing in the middle stanza with Kalan Lind connecting on his 11th of the season at 1:02.
Ollie Josephson ties the game up at 2 at 5:31 of the middle frame. The assists on the goal went to Talon Brigley and Kalan Lind.– Ollie Josephson converting a Talon Brigley pass to tie the game at 5:31.
Conor Geekie got his second goal of the game at 11:51 of the second period to make it a 3-2 Broncos game. Assists on the goal went to Gryason Burzynski and Peyton Kettles.– However, Geekie, who was playing his 10th game of the season with the Broncos since being picked up in a blockbuster trade with Wenatchee, put the Broncos up for good at 9:09 on just their second shot of the period.
Shots on goal in the second period were 10-3 Rebels
Conor Geekie completed the hat trick and made it a 4-2 Broncos game 1:51 into the final period. The assists on the goal went to 2022 Pittsburgh Penguins first rounder Owen Pickering and Connor Hvidston.– Geekie made the game 4-2 just about two minutes into the third period and the Rebels would continue to push after though as they aimed to tie the game.
Kai Uchacz got his 34th goal of the season at 9:09 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Matthew Gard and Mats Lindgren.–Kai Uchacz scored his 34th of the season to make things interesting at 9:59 when he had the puck hit him in front and dribble under Dyck and just over the goal line. The officials looked at the video before confirming the goal.
Shots on goal in the third period were 20-6 for the Rebels. The Rebels outshot the Broncos 36-27 in the game.
2022 Boston Bruins 6th rounder Reid Dyck made 33 saves on the 36 shots that he faced for the win for the Broncos. Chase Wutzke made 23 saves on the 27 shots that he faced for the Rebels
Three Stars of the game were 1) Conor Geekie 2) Peyton Kettles 3) Kalan Lind
Attendance in Swift Current was 2,013
Rebels next game is Friday November 9th against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Arshdeep Bains, the former Red Deer Rebel, had a fantastic performance at the AHL All-Star Game this past weekend! He led all scorers with five points – two goals and three assists – during the mini round-robin tournament between the AHL’s four divisions. This impressive showing earned him the honor of being named the AHL All-Star Challenge MVP.
Bains scored the game-winning goal for the Pacific Division in the final championship game with just 12.9 seconds on the clock. Despite the weather causing him to miss the skills competition on Sunday, he made up for it with his outstanding performance in the All-Star Challenge on Monday.
His MVP performance at the AHL All-Star Game is a testament to his steady progress toward a potential NHL future. Bains has been underrated and overlooked throughout his hockey career, but he hasn’t let that hold him back. The Surrey native continues to impress and make strides in his professional hockey career.