Rebels roll past Hitmen in Central Division showdown

Admittedly, it wasn’t perfect, but he said the team’s work ethic was where it needed to be.

“We had a team game tonight,” Kisio said. “We have a great crowd here, and we’ve talked about how lucky we are to play in this building and play in this city in front of these fans. We want to show up here and show up consistently. Calgary’s a big opponent; they’re a hard opponent to play, a division rival, and it was a big game for us.”

Big indeed.

Just 15 games in, the Rebels created some breathing room in the Central Division standings with the win.

With a 9-4-1-1 record, Red Deer is now four points ahead of the Hitmen for the division lead.

“You want your home arena to be a hard place to play and a place that when teams come into they know it’s going to be a physical game and one where they’re going to have to work,” Kisio added. “We’re trying to establish that here.”

The Rebels bench boss credited Kondro with an outstanding game in net. He also liked the way Hamilton and Lisy played, as well as an important block from forward Cole Temple in front of the net.

“We’ll enjoy this win for now, and then tomorrow we’ll get back at it, get on the ice a little bit, do a bit of video, and then head to Edmonton,” he added.

The Rebels trailed the Hitmen 1-0 following the opening 20 minutes, despite outshooting their opponents 11-9.

The Hitmen found the back of the net with just over eight minutes remaining in the first with a power-play marker from Grady Anaka.

In the second period, Red Deer found the equalizer while on the penalty kill.

With 9:10 remaining, Hamilton beat his opponent to the loose puck and was sprung on a breakaway. He made a move to his backhand before sliding the puck past the goaltender

Now THAT is a frightening penalty kill! 👻 #RDREBELS | #WHL https://t.co/IGZiaaCM2C

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) October 31, 2026

Red Deer then took their first lead of the game 58 seconds into the third period.

Forward Poul Andersen redirected a shot from Lisy while standing in front of the net. Andersen continues to lead the entire WHL with 25 points in 15 games.

Trick or treat? How about tip or treat! #RDREBELS | #WHL

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) October 31, 2026

The Rebels then created some breathing room with a goal from defenceman Jiri Kamas to lead 3-1.

He hammered in a one-timer opportunity on the offensive rush after tremendous playmaking from Cameron Kuzma and Lisy.

A spooky shot from Jiri Kamas! #RDREBELS | #WHL

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) October 31, 2026

Near the midway point of the final frame, forward Kalder Varga extended the Rebels’ lead to three, knocking in a rebound in front of the net following a shot from Hamilton.

A ghoulish goal from Kalder👻 #RDREBELS | #WHL

— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) October 31, 2026

However, the Hitmen didn’t go away quietly.

With 6:44 to go, Hitmen forward Blake Vanek scored on the power play to cut into the Rebels’ lead. Despite the goal, the Rebels still held a 4-2 lead.

The Rebels then sealed the deal with an empty-net goal from Cole Temple with just over a minute remaining.

Next up, the Rebels will head to Edmonton on Sunday, Nov. 1 for a 4 p.m. faceoff at Rogers Place.

by Ian Gustafson

Rebels roll past Hitmen in Central Division showdown

What's Trending