(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Gustafson

4-1

Rebels fall in final home game of the season

Mar 22, 2025 | 10:27 PM

The Red Deer Rebels were hoping to wrap up their season at home on a high note but the Calgary Hitmen had different plans.

On Friday night, the Hitmen beat the Rebels 4-1 in front of 6,326 fans at the Centrium in the final regular season game at home.

Red Deer will officially wrap up the 2024-25 campaign on Sunday in Edmonton when they take on the Oil Kings at 4 p.m.

“There were a group of probably I’d say 12-13 guys that played a full 60 tonight,” said Rebels head coach Dave Struch. “Guys played their hearts out. There were others I think were kind of there and in the end, it was individual mistakes that cost us.”

The Hitmen opened the scoring just over six minutes into the game when Ethan Moore redirected a pass from Sawyer Mynio into the net on the powerplay.

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They added another goal early in the second period off the stick of Ethan Merner, who knocked in the rebound in front of the net. Merner’s fourth goal of the year came just 2:19 into the middle frame.

In the third period, the Hitmen took a 3-0 lead less than two minutes in on a shot from Carson Wetsch, who won the battle for the rebound in front of the net.

The Rebels answered shortly after with a perfectly placed shot by Matthew Gard while shorthanded on a two-on-one offensive rush. Forward Jhett Larson passed it over to Gard who beat the goalie high on the blocker side.

However, any momentum the Rebels may have gained was squashed a couple minutes later after Calgary’s Hunter Aura reinstated the Hitmen’s three-goal lead.

The Hitmen stood tall defensively the rest of the period to seal the deal on the victory.

The Hitmen also had plenty to play for as they’re in a battle with the Medicine Hat Tigers for first in the Central Division.

“[We played] against a good team, there’s no question about it,” Struch added. “I think that group of guys that pushed themselves it meant a lot to them to play that way in front of the fans.”

All three 20-year-old players including Jhett Larson, Jace Weir, and Keaton Dowhaniuk were named the three stars. Goaltender Chase Wutzke also had a solid game in net making 26 saves on 30 shots.

“We’re appreciative [to the fans.] It was a tough year, disappointing, and thanks for coming out and supporting these guys every single night.”

The Rebels also named their team award winners prior to the game:

Three Star Award (Given to player that stands out during the course of the season): Chase Wutzke

Most Underrated Player Award: Jaxon Fuder

Players’ Award (Voted upon by the players and presented to a player they believe best exemplifies the Characteristics of heart, leadership, and determination): Jhett Larson

Defenceman of the Year: Derek Thurston

Plus Minus Award: Derek Thurston

Humanitarian Award (Given to player who devoted much of his time to give back to the community): Jace Weir

Pattison Media Rookie of the Year Award: Beckett Hamilton

Scholastic Player of the Year: Luke Vlooswyk

Leading Scorer Award: Ty Coupland

Most Valuable Player: Ollie Josephson and Chase Wutzke

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