(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Gustafson

Win column

Rebels ride explosive first period to victory over Hitmen

Nov 30, 2025 | 4:54 PM

The Red Deer Rebels got off to a dream start, scoring three straight, and they never gave up the lead in a 4-3 win over the Calgary Hitmen on Sunday afternoon.

In front of 5,576 fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the Hitmen pushed late in the game, but the Rebels’ lead was too much to overcome.

Matthew Gard, Aleksey Chichkin, Beckett Hamilton, and Landon MacSwain all found the back of net for Red Deer. Meantime, netminder Matthew Kondro made 17 saves on 20 shots.

The first goal came with 16:37 left in the first period when Matthew Gard scored on a one-timer off the feed from Owen DeWitt, who forced a turnover in Calgary’s end.

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With 11:54 to go, defenceman Aleksey Chichkin scored on the offensive rush assisted by Jaxon Fuder. Chichkin’s goal was his first of the season.

Under a minute and a half later, Beckett Hamilton notched his 10th of the season after he knocked in his own rebound. His opportunity came after he redirected a shot from Talon Brigley on an offensive rush.

Despite the quick start, the Hitmen responded shortly after to get back into the game.

Calgary forward Kale Dach completed a nifty passing play for their first goal of the game.

A cross-check penalty by Matthew Gard during the goal celebration put the Hitmen on the power play.

During the man advantage, the Hitmen were awarded a penalty shot after Chichkin covered the puck with his hand when it was in the crease. As a result, forward Andrei Molgachev scored on the penalty shot through the five-hole of Kondro to pull within one of tying it.

In the second period, Rebels forward Landon MacSwain restored their two-goal lead for the lone goal of the middle frame. The rookie tipped a shot past the goalie from a sharp angle on the right side of the net, assisted by Hamilton.

The Hitmen pushed in the third period in an effort to tie the game. The Hitmen did pull within one late with a goal from Dach from a sharp angle with an extra attacker on the ice.

However, the Rebels stood tall defensively to hold on to the slim victory.

Next up, the Rebels will head to Lethbridge on Wednesday to face the Hurricanes at 7 p.m. before facing the Oil Kings on Friday, Dec. 5 in Edmonton. They’ll then return home on Saturday, Dec. 6 for a matchup with the Prince Albert Raiders at the Centrium at 6 p.m.