(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Gustafson

Third straight loss

Late goal lifts Hitmen over Rebels on Sunday

Feb 22, 2026 | 4:58 PM

The Red Deer Rebels were handed their third straight loss after the Calgary Hitmen took a late lead in a 2-1 setback on the road.

Hitmen’s Andrei Molgachev broke the tie with 5:32 to go in the third period, and Calgary’s netminder Aidan Hesse made 31 saves at the Saddledome in an action packed goaltending battle. Meantime, Tyson Yaremko was the Rebels’ lone scorer, and goalie Matthew Kondro made 38 saves.

The Rebels got on the board with 10:24 to go in the first period, scored by Yaremko for his ninth of the season.

A shot on the rebound from Landon MacSwain was redirected off the body of Yaremko and in as he was cutting towards the net.

Call it!! 🚨🚨🚨 https://t.co/ONIABxgzf0

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) February 22, 2026

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At the midway point of the second period, the Hitmen tied the game with a tally from Hunter Aura on the power play.

The Hitmen took their first lead with 5:32 remaining in the third period from Molgachev on the power play. He buried an opportunity from the left side of the net after a cross crease assist from Julien Maze.

The Rebels continued to push for the equalizer, but their central division rivals held them off to seal the deal.

Despite the loss, the Rebels remain in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They’re just one point ahead of the ninth-place Moose Jaw Warriors and trail the seventh-place Regina Pats by three points.

Next up, Red Deer will host the Edmonton Oil Kings on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m., followed by the Swift Current Broncos on Saturday at 6 p.m.