The Southern Junior B Rebels won their home opener in dramatic fashion on October 14 downing the Carrot River Outback Thunder 6-5 in overtime.
The Rebels were looking for a win in front of the home crowd after dropping two early road games to the Silver Foxes and the Traveland RV Storm. The Junior Rebels entered the game in third place in the South Division standings, and the Carrot River Thunder stood fifth in the North Division.
It was a fast-paced spirited game by two evenly-matched teams. The Junior Rebels opened the scoring early in the first period with two quick goals by Carson Cayer and Reese Rutko to set the pace. They scored two goals in seven shots. The teams then traded goals to end the period 3-2.
The Thunder became increasingly frustrated with the Rebels’ waves of attacks, racking up minor penalties through the first and second periods. Carrot River clawed back in the second period, scoring early to tie the game at 3-3. Dakota Helland scored a power play goal to get the Rebels back on top, which was answered by Kaden Opp of the Thunder. To the cheers of the roaring crowd, Alex Hicks scored a short-handed goal to boost the home team to 5-4 early in the third, but a minute later the Thunder spoiled the crowd’s feeling of victory with a tying goal.
With the two teams all tied up at 5-5 at the end of the third, the game headed to a five minute sudden death overtime period. Just over two minutes into the extra time, Dakota Helland scored the winner, handing his team a victory and snagging a hat trick. The Rebels dominated the game with 34-28 shots on goal.
Reese Rutko and Alex Hicks scored their first goals with the team. Kade Smith played the whole game in net for the Rebels. Scoring for Carrot River were Tate Steiestol with two goals, and Justin Cay, Grady Genaille, Kaden Opp each had a goal. Kolton Holmen played in goal for the whole game for the Thunder.
The Junior Rebels have a good mix of returning veterans and exuberant rookies. There are six players from Assiniboia. The team lost its first two games of the new season, playing both on the road.
The Junior Rebels next take a road trip playing against the AGI Insurance Quakers of the North Division in Saskatoon on October 20, against the Prince Albert Titans on October 21, and against Carrot River Thunder on October 22. The Rebels return to play at home against the Silver Foxes on Wednesday, October 25, against the Titans on Saturday, October 28, and against the Westleys on October 29.
