Photo by Rob Wallator

Submitted by the Red Deer Rebels

REBELS THIS WEEK

RETURN OF THE KING

It was a busy three-game weekend for the Red Deer Rebels highlighted by the return of the WHL’s reigning goal scoring champion!

Ben King returned to the lineup Friday night at the Peavey Mart Centrium after missing 31 games to a lower body injury. King scored in the third period of a wild 8-5 win over the visiting Prince George Cougars. Kai Uchacz had a career high five points (two goals, three assists). Jayden Grubbe tied his career high with four points (one goal, three assists). Mats Lindgren also equalled his career best with three points on the night.

Saturday night was a much different game as the Rebels had to work right to the end for a 2-1 come from behind overtime win over the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings. Grubbe tied the game with a power play goal with just over two minutes left in the third period. Kalan Lind then came through with the overtime winner.

Sunday afternoon in Calgary, the Rebels fell to the Hitmen 4-2 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. It was Red Deer’s first loss in six games versus Calgary this season.

The Rebels are now 31-9-1-3 on the season for 66 points. They lead the Central Division by 13 points over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

GAMES THIS WEEK

– Friday, Jan. 27 – The Saskatoon Blades visit the Peavey Mart Centrium for the second and final time this season

– Saturday, Jan 28 – The conference leading Winnipeg ICE visit the Peavey Mart Centrium on a night that will feature live music from See Alice, Post-game Disco Skate, and another Beer Night Special

– Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Connor Bedard and the Regina Pats pay their final visit of the regular season. This game is already sold-out! Stay tuned this week regarding standing-room tickets that may become available.

ON THE RADAR:
The Rebels have three players included on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings for the 2023 NHL Draft – Kalan Kind (F, ’05) 23^rd North American Skaters, Kai Uchacz (F, ’04) 130^th, Matteo Fabrizi (D, ’05) 215^th.

Lind will also suit up for Team White at the 2023 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, January 25 in Langley, BC. The 18-year-old from Shaunavon, SK was the Rebels’ 1^st round pick (6^th overall) at the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. He won gold with Team Canada at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup held at the Peavey Mart Centrium in Red Deer, July 31-August 6. Lind also played at the Capital City Challenge in Ottawa in November 2021.