Rebels shut out Hitmen to take 1-0 series lead

After 20 minutes, the Rebels were outshooting the Hitmen 18-9.

In the middle frame, neither team could capitalize on multiple power play opportunities, and Calgary outshot Red Deer 12-7.

In the third, the home team did what it needed to seal the deal.

First, Jayden Grubbe (1st) scored unassisted off a rebound at 13:22, doubling the Rebels’ lead to two.

The extra insurance came at 17:56, when Frantisek Formanek (1st) scored unassisted, cinching the 3-0 game one victory.

Rebels goaltender Kyle Kelsey said after winning his first WHL postseason game that it was hard fought and that he’s happy, adding that he wants to stay level-headed.

“It feels great, but I can’t get too hot. It’s a long series,” he said. “We’re going to be back at it tomorrow. As soon as I get home, I need to reset for game two.

Kelsey stopped all 25 shots he faced, and now has two straight shutouts against the Hitmen dating back to Red Deer’s 9-0 win on March 11.

Rebels Head Coach Steve Konowalchuk said while every team member played a great game, they will have to continue to work hard.

“It’s so important that everyone contributes. It was a good team effort,” he said. “We’ve got to get ready, we’ve got to be a bit better in some areas. There’s just still some things we could improve on. They [Calgary] are going to, I’m sure, talk about some things and try to improve too. The first game is just that, the first game. We know we’ve got a tough series with these guys.”

The home team went 0/6 on the power play while the visitors went 0/5 with the man advantage.

Three Stars

1st: Kai Uchacz (RD) – 1G, game-winner

2nd: Jayden Grubbe (RD) – 1G, 17/25 faceoffs won

3rd: Kyle Kelsey (RD) – 25 saves, 1st career WHL shutout

The Rebels and Hitmen are back at it Saturday night for game two from the Peavey Mart Centrium. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. with the broadcast live on 106.7 REWIND Radio starting at 6:30.

by Alessia Proietti

Rebels shut out Hitmen to take 1-0 series lead

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