(Rob Wallator)

By Kael Clark

losing woes continue

Rebels lose fourth straight in 4-3 defeat to Regina

Dec 1, 2019 | 1:53 PM

It was another close battle in a 4-3 Rebels defeat at the hands of the Regina Pats on Saturday night.

Red Deer fans saw a new face in the crease on this evening, as 16-year-old AP goaltender Chase Coward was given his first ever WHL start.

It wasn’t easy sledding for Coward who was faced early with making a stop after a poor turnover by his defense. Unfortunately, Ty Kolle moved in all alone and roofed it to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Red Deer had a response though with a great play at the blueline from Ethan Sakowich, who found himself space and wired a shot past Max Paddock to even things up. Fourteen seconds later, however, and another breakdown by the Rebels led to Carson Denomie sniping one gloveside past Coward to re-establish the Pats’ 2-1 lead.

Red Deer, gifted a first powerplay, tied the game with a goal from Chris Douglas, but Kolle once again converted for Regina, this time on the man-advantage.

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That was sadly the end of the night for Coward who got the yank after allowing three goals on six shots, and in came Byron Fancy for the start of the second down 3-2.

Following loads of pressure from the Rebels, Regina’s Robbie Holmes would score against the flow of play to give the road team a 4-2 cushion with 7:20 left in the middle frame.

On the PP for a fifth time, Red Deer forward Jayden Grubbe fed a gorgeous no-look pass to Cam Hausinger who crushed a one-timer past Paddock to cut the lead to one early in the third period.

That was all the Rebels could muster despite putting the pressure on late to equalize, and Regina held on for the 4-3 victory.

For the second straight game, the Rebels peppered the opposition with a lot of shots, this time 48 to Regina’s 24. Red Deer went 2/7 on the powerplay, while Regina went 1/3. The final game between these two will go down December 7 in Regina.

Red Deer has now lost four games in a row and sit fourth in the wild card race, eight points behind Brandon, who hold down the second wild card spot. Regina is now at 14 points with the win on Saturday.

The Rebels are in Calgary Sunday afternoon against the Hitmen. Puck drop is at 4 p.m. The action begins with the Bo’s Bar and Stage Pre-Game Show at 3:50 with Cam Moon on 106.7 The Drive.