
Rebels clinch berth in 2023 WHL playoffs
The Red Deer Rebels not only beat the Kelowna Rockets 5-1 on Saturday night at the Peavey Mart Centrium but also clinched a berth into the 2023 WHL playoff season.
It was a big night for the Rebels as it was the first time the Rockets played in Red Deer since November 2018. It was also the ATB Financial Team Poster Night with a postgame autograph session featuring the entire Rebels team. Finally, with the Brandon Wheat Kings’ loss to the Regina Pats the same night, the Rebels learned they secured their position into this season’s playoffs.
Just under three minutes into the first period, the Rebels’ Ollie Josephson picked up a loose puck to score a goal with a backhand on Rockets goaltender Talyn Boyko. His fourth goal of the season was assisted by Dwayne Jean Jr. and Quentin Bourne. The home team opened the score 1-0.
Shortly after at 8:04, Red Deer’s Jace Weir picked up the puck from the wall and scored his second goal this season with a wrist-shot from the faceoff circle. Assisted by Matteo Fabrizi, the team doubled their lead 2-0.