Red Deer Rebels' Frantisek Formanek body checks Vancouver Giants' Jaden Lipinski at the Peavey Mart Centrium on Friday night. (Red Deer Rebels/Rob Wallator)

By Alessia Proietti

12th consecutive win

Rebels shutout ties WHL record for longest winning streak to start a season

Oct 28, 2022 | 10:47 PM

The Red Deer Rebels have tied the longest WHL winning streak to start a season with their 12^th consecutive victory, in a 4-0 shutout against the Vancouver Giants at the Peavey Mart Centrium on Friday.

The longest win streak in WHL history is 12, set by the 1988-89 Swift Current Broncos. As well, with goaltender Kyle Kelsey again not in the lineup this evening due to illness, it was Rhett Stoesser’s third straight game played and second shutout.

The first period found the Rebels’ Kalan Lind backed into the boards by the Giants. Barely able to reach the puck, he managed to pass to teammate Jhett Larson. At 6:01, Larson made his way around goaltender Jesper Vikman, scoring his eighth goal of the season in the open corner of the net. Although the play was reviewed, the goal stood for the Rebels to lead the game 1-0.

After 20 minutes of play, the Rebels made three times as many shots on goal as the Giants (15-5).

In the middle frame, multiple penalties shook the game as Red Deer’s Matteo Fabrizi was sent to the box for a 5 minute fighting major with Vancouver’s Sammy May, as well as Matthew Edwards who served May’s added penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

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Although the two-minute man advantage was not maximized, the Rebels still scored with one man down on both sides. At 18:16, Frantisek Formanek passed to Talon Brigley, whose shot rebounded off goaltender Jesper Vikman’s pad, remaining in the crease behind him. As he dove back to cover up the loose puck, Red Deer’s Carson Birnie helped Vikman push the puck into his own net. Brigley was credited with the goal, his second of the season, bringing the team’s lead 2-0.

The Rebels outshot the Giants again in the second period, 10-8.

In the third period, the Giants appeared to get on the scoreboard with a goal at 1:39; however, the play was deemed offside, leaving the 2-0 lead to the Rebels.

Instead, Red Deer’s Jace Isley scored his seventh goal of the season, making a three-game goal streak, at 11:51, assisted by Talon Brigley passing from the rebound off his own shot. The home team added to their lead 3-0.

With Red Deer’s Jhett Larson sent to the box shortly after for tripping, the man disadvantage was quite the opposite. Kai Uchacz scored his 10^th goal of the season, shorthanded at 13:53, on a breakaway following an assist by Talon Brigley. The home team now led 4-0.

The Rebels outshot the Giants 8-5 in the final period and 33-18 overall.

The home team also went 0/4 on power plays while Vancouver went 0/2 with the man advantage.

Once again the Rebels were awarded all three stars of Friday night’s game. Netminder Rhett Stoesser received the third star for his shut out. Jhett Larson earned second star for scoring the first goal of the game. Talon Brigley received the first star for his goal and two assists throughout the evening.

Rebels coach Steve Konowalchuk says the game was tight at the start but the team was ultimately rewarded for up-keeping their pace and energy. Alongside good defencemen, he says many factors helped lead to the team’s success.

“It’s managing the puck, it’s working hard without the puck, it’s checking, it’s back checking; it’s all the little things that help you not give up shots and also help you score goals and our guys are working hard in those areas and taking pride in it,” he said.

The Rebels will now have a chance to make a new WHL record for the longest winning streak to start a season, this Sunday, October 30 against the Edmonton Oil Kings at Rogers Place at 4 p.m.

Listen to all the action live on 106.7 Rewind Radio.