The last thing that the Red Deer Rebels would expect from anyone is sympathy.
But with the ridiculous number of injuries the team has been forced to deal with it's hard not to feel at least a bit sorry for this club.
The latest (re-)addition to the M*A*S*H unit is captain Adam Kambeitz. He took a slash from Tri City's Justin Hamonic late in the first period of Friday's game. The captain tried gutting it out for a couple of shifts in the second period before leaving for good. Turns out Kambeitz will now miss up to six weeks of action. A tough blow to say the least. Here's a quick look at the Rebels current injury woes...
- G Patrik Bartosak - upper body (shoulder) - the 18-year-old from the Czech Republic will soon undergo surgery for the shoulder injury he suffered prior to Christmas
- F Adam Kambeitz - lower body (ankle) - will miss up to six weeks
- D Justin Weller - upper body (wrist) - having undergone multiple surgeries for his broken wrist, the 20-year-old veteran is likely done for the season
- D Devan Fafard - upper body - the 17-year-old blueliner will be out long term
- D Kayle Doetzel - upper body - suffered an injury versus Vancouver and will likely miss three weeks of action
- F Brooks Maxwell - upper body, TBA
Injuries aside... the Rebels need to rally themselves as they still sit on the outside looking in when it comes the WHL playoff picture. They had a chance to pull even with the Wheat Kings on Saturday but came up short, losing 3-2. The Wheaties lead the Rebels by four points for 8th in the East. The Rebels do still have three games at hand. But with a tough week ahead (at Medicine Hat on Tuesday, at Edmonton on Friday, home to Calgary on Saturday) the Rebels need to employ the Al Davis "Just Win, Baby" mentality and take care of their own business.
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Brent Sutter spent the entire NHL all star break here in Red Deer, taking in both Rebels home games this weeks (no, he did not dress up for 80's night). I was lucky enough to sit down with him prior to Saturday's game versus Brandon. You can look for that interview on next week's edition of 'Southside Dodge Rebels This Week.' To check out the latest episode anytime (we tape another one today) visit www.rebelsthisweek.com
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The 12 team field is now set for the 2012 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which takes place here in Red Deer at the Enmax Centrium from Feb. 18 - 26.
Heather Nedohin will represent the home province after beating fellow Edmontonian Jesse Kaufman in yesterday's final at the Alberta Scotties in Leduc. It's the first provincial title for Nedohin since 2000. She was the runner-up in both 2009 and 2011.
Here is the full list of teams coming to Red Deer...
Team Canada - Amber Holland (Sask)
Newfoundland and Labrador - Heather Strong
New Brunswick - Andrea Kelly
PEI - Kim Dolan
Nova Scotia - Heather Smith-Dacey
Quebec - Marie-France Larouche
Ontario - Tracy Horgan
Manitoba - Jennifer Jones
Saskatchewan - Michelle Englot
Alberta - Heather Nedohin
BC - Kelly Scott
Territories - Kerry Galusha
New Brunswick - Andrea Kelly
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Things I did not watch on TV yesterday...
- NHL All Star Game
- NFL Pro Bowl
- WWE Royal Rumble
Things I did watch on TV yesterday...
- Family Guy
- Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom
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A big passion of mine is Senior AAA hockey and the Allan Cup. This year's championship is taking place in Lloydminster, SK. The Alberta provincial playdowns bracket (five teams) is now set...
1. Bentley Generals (BYE)
2. Sylvan Lake Admirals
3. Stony Plain Eagles
(Stony can take over the #2 seed with a win over Fort Sask on Tuesday... regardless, the Eagles and Admirals will still meet in the 2 vs 3 series with the winner advancing to the provincial final)
4. Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs
5. Horse Lake Thunder
(the winner of this series will meet the Bentley Generals in the other semi-final)
The Alberta winner will take on the BC winner (Fort St. John or Powell River) for a spot in the Allan Cup.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Rally For The Ages
(ok... maybe I went a bit over the top with the headline... or maybe not lol)
It's not just 'that' the Red Deer Rebels won last night... but 'how' they won that could prove to be a launching point for the rest of the season.
Trailing the high flying Tri City Americans 2-0 after two periods of play last night at the Enmax Centrium. That meant they Rebels would need comeback of Herculean proportions to salvage any points and gain ground on Brandon (who lost 6-2 in Edmonton FYI).
John Persson would carry out the first (not necessarily out of 12) task for the Rebels when he got them on the board early in the third period, cutting their deficit to 2-1. It was a skilled goal by a skilled player as Johnny P showed some great hands in tight before tucking the puck past Americans goalie Eric Comrie.
That lit the fuse for the fans in the stands as the thousands of Rebels faithful in attendance had been anxiously waiting for their hometown heroes make a rally.
Next up... Deven Dubyk with a number of outstanding saves to keep the Rebels in it (really, he'd already been doing that through the first two periods). But in the third period Dubyk's highway robberies of both Patrick Holland and Adam Hughesman set the stage another Rebels hero to step up.
Cue Mathew Dumba. With 9:08 remaining in the third period, Dumba broke into the offensive zone for a shot on net, only to be stopped by Comrie. But the fine young defenceman followed up and jammed home his own rebound to tie the game 2-2. And if you thought the crowd was into it after Persson's goal...
The Rebels and Americans then traded scoring chances through the rest of the third period. But after sixty minutes of play and 75 combined shots on net this game was going to overtime.
But not for long...
Not satisfied with just tying this game up, Dumba took it upon himself to score the game winner for the Rebels as well. Just 38 seconds into the extra frame, he roofed a shot high past Comrie.
The Herculean comeback was complete... which for me created two causes for concern... the state of the Enmax Centrium after the raucous crowd lifted the lid... and the state of my left elbow following a rather exuberant fist pump.
The win itself is important, of course. But coming back from being two goals down against one of the best teams in the entire CHL is the kind of thing that will provide this Rebels team with a "we can beat anyone, on any night" mentality.
And they will need to apply that mentality starting tonight in what Jesse Wallin admits is the 'biggest game of the year' for his club. The Brandon Wheat Kings visit the Enmax Centrium two points up on the Rebels for the eighth and final playoff spot. With a win tonight, the Rebels would technically stake claim to the playoff spot due to less games played.
Oh... it's also 80's night tonight... can't wait to see and hear what the evening has in store!
OTHER NOTES...
- Adam Kambeitz is the biggest cause for concern coming out of last night's game. The Rebels captain was slashed late in the first period and went down awkwardly. He gutted out a couple of shifts early in the second period before leaving the game for good. His status for tonight is TBA.
- You can also add defenceman Kayle Doetzel to the Rebels list of injuries. He missed last night's game with an upper body injury he suffered Wednesday night versus Vancouver.
- It really was fun to see the Feser brothers play against each other for the first, and quite possibly only, time ever. Older brother Justin has been quite a leader for the Americans during his four seasons with Tri City. Scott definitely has the potential to do the same with the Rebels. Americans coach Jim Hiller is definitely impressed with the younger Feser!
- Red Deer minor hockey products Derek Ryckman, acquired earlier this season from Lethbridge, and Mitch Topping were also in the line up for the Americans last night.
It's not just 'that' the Red Deer Rebels won last night... but 'how' they won that could prove to be a launching point for the rest of the season.
Trailing the high flying Tri City Americans 2-0 after two periods of play last night at the Enmax Centrium. That meant they Rebels would need comeback of Herculean proportions to salvage any points and gain ground on Brandon (who lost 6-2 in Edmonton FYI).
John Persson would carry out the first (not necessarily out of 12) task for the Rebels when he got them on the board early in the third period, cutting their deficit to 2-1. It was a skilled goal by a skilled player as Johnny P showed some great hands in tight before tucking the puck past Americans goalie Eric Comrie.
That lit the fuse for the fans in the stands as the thousands of Rebels faithful in attendance had been anxiously waiting for their hometown heroes make a rally.
Next up... Deven Dubyk with a number of outstanding saves to keep the Rebels in it (really, he'd already been doing that through the first two periods). But in the third period Dubyk's highway robberies of both Patrick Holland and Adam Hughesman set the stage another Rebels hero to step up.
Cue Mathew Dumba. With 9:08 remaining in the third period, Dumba broke into the offensive zone for a shot on net, only to be stopped by Comrie. But the fine young defenceman followed up and jammed home his own rebound to tie the game 2-2. And if you thought the crowd was into it after Persson's goal...
The Rebels and Americans then traded scoring chances through the rest of the third period. But after sixty minutes of play and 75 combined shots on net this game was going to overtime.
But not for long...
Not satisfied with just tying this game up, Dumba took it upon himself to score the game winner for the Rebels as well. Just 38 seconds into the extra frame, he roofed a shot high past Comrie.
The Herculean comeback was complete... which for me created two causes for concern... the state of the Enmax Centrium after the raucous crowd lifted the lid... and the state of my left elbow following a rather exuberant fist pump.
The win itself is important, of course. But coming back from being two goals down against one of the best teams in the entire CHL is the kind of thing that will provide this Rebels team with a "we can beat anyone, on any night" mentality.
And they will need to apply that mentality starting tonight in what Jesse Wallin admits is the 'biggest game of the year' for his club. The Brandon Wheat Kings visit the Enmax Centrium two points up on the Rebels for the eighth and final playoff spot. With a win tonight, the Rebels would technically stake claim to the playoff spot due to less games played.
Oh... it's also 80's night tonight... can't wait to see and hear what the evening has in store!
OTHER NOTES...
- Adam Kambeitz is the biggest cause for concern coming out of last night's game. The Rebels captain was slashed late in the first period and went down awkwardly. He gutted out a couple of shifts early in the second period before leaving the game for good. His status for tonight is TBA.
- You can also add defenceman Kayle Doetzel to the Rebels list of injuries. He missed last night's game with an upper body injury he suffered Wednesday night versus Vancouver.
- It really was fun to see the Feser brothers play against each other for the first, and quite possibly only, time ever. Older brother Justin has been quite a leader for the Americans during his four seasons with Tri City. Scott definitely has the potential to do the same with the Rebels. Americans coach Jim Hiller is definitely impressed with the younger Feser!
- Red Deer minor hockey products Derek Ryckman, acquired earlier this season from Lethbridge, and Mitch Topping were also in the line up for the Americans last night.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Charles In Charge
The Red Deer Rebels were going to beat the Vancouver Giants. No discussion necessary... the Rebels were going to win. Plain and simple.
Why? Because Charles Inglis said so.
The 19-year-old forward played his best game as a Rebel in leading Red Deer to a 4-2 victory Wednesday night at the Enmax Centrium.
The second period, in particular, was a treat to watch as Inglis torched the Giants for a goal and two assists... and he could have had more. His physical play at both ends of the rink was too much for Vancouver to handle. And his chemistry playing on a line with Tyson Ness and Colten Mayor was quite evident. His 11th goal of the season, and second as a Rebel, invoked memories of Mark Messier coming in on his off-wing and leaning into a sizzling wrist shot. Young Payton Lee had no chance at making the save.
The came could be said for Conner Bleackley's first ever WHL goal. The Rebels' first selection in the 2011 Bantam Draft let loose with a scorching wrister of his own in the second period to join the likes of Alex Petrovic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as players who have scored their first goal while still a 15-year-old. Exciting things await when it comes to this skilled young forward. As Jesse Wallin noted post-game "You put him out there and he looks like he belongs."
The Rebels also received some much appreciated help on the out of town scoreboard when Calgary blasted Brandon 7-2. Red Deer now trails Brandon by four points for the final playoff spot in the east. The Rebels still hold three games at hand.
Next up for the Rebels... a visit from the Tri City Americans Friday night.
OTHER NOTES...
- Mathew Dumba continues to play his best hockey of the season. With two more assists against the Giants, the draft eligible defenceman has 7 points in his last 4 games. He also had a picture perfect hip check early in the third period which brought the crowd to its feet. Unfortunately, it also brought Dumba a minor penalty for tripping.
- With a goal and an assist versus the Giants, Colten Mayor ties Turner Elson for second place in team scoring for the Rebels with 35 points. Elson has 16 goals, Mayor has 14.
- Deven Dubyk was not spectacular, but he was solid in making 29 saves to improve to 8-7-1-1 this season.
- Rebels scratches were Devan Fafard (upper body), Brooks Maxwell (upper), Justin Weller (wrist), Marc Mackenzie (upper) and Patrik Bartosak. Mackenzie looks favourable to return to the Rebels lineup next week.
- 15-year-old goalie Payton Lee suffered his first loss of the season for the Giants in his third game. Jackson Whistle came in for the third period and did not allow a goal against (making one spectacular diving save on Mayor in the final minutes). Starting goaltender Adam Morrison remains out, listed as 'day to day'
- Brendan Gallagher and David Musil both returned to the Giants lineup from their stints on the injured list
Why? Because Charles Inglis said so.
The 19-year-old forward played his best game as a Rebel in leading Red Deer to a 4-2 victory Wednesday night at the Enmax Centrium.
The second period, in particular, was a treat to watch as Inglis torched the Giants for a goal and two assists... and he could have had more. His physical play at both ends of the rink was too much for Vancouver to handle. And his chemistry playing on a line with Tyson Ness and Colten Mayor was quite evident. His 11th goal of the season, and second as a Rebel, invoked memories of Mark Messier coming in on his off-wing and leaning into a sizzling wrist shot. Young Payton Lee had no chance at making the save.
The came could be said for Conner Bleackley's first ever WHL goal. The Rebels' first selection in the 2011 Bantam Draft let loose with a scorching wrister of his own in the second period to join the likes of Alex Petrovic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as players who have scored their first goal while still a 15-year-old. Exciting things await when it comes to this skilled young forward. As Jesse Wallin noted post-game "You put him out there and he looks like he belongs."
The Rebels also received some much appreciated help on the out of town scoreboard when Calgary blasted Brandon 7-2. Red Deer now trails Brandon by four points for the final playoff spot in the east. The Rebels still hold three games at hand.
Next up for the Rebels... a visit from the Tri City Americans Friday night.
OTHER NOTES...
- Mathew Dumba continues to play his best hockey of the season. With two more assists against the Giants, the draft eligible defenceman has 7 points in his last 4 games. He also had a picture perfect hip check early in the third period which brought the crowd to its feet. Unfortunately, it also brought Dumba a minor penalty for tripping.
- With a goal and an assist versus the Giants, Colten Mayor ties Turner Elson for second place in team scoring for the Rebels with 35 points. Elson has 16 goals, Mayor has 14.
- Deven Dubyk was not spectacular, but he was solid in making 29 saves to improve to 8-7-1-1 this season.
- Rebels scratches were Devan Fafard (upper body), Brooks Maxwell (upper), Justin Weller (wrist), Marc Mackenzie (upper) and Patrik Bartosak. Mackenzie looks favourable to return to the Rebels lineup next week.
- 15-year-old goalie Payton Lee suffered his first loss of the season for the Giants in his third game. Jackson Whistle came in for the third period and did not allow a goal against (making one spectacular diving save on Mayor in the final minutes). Starting goaltender Adam Morrison remains out, listed as 'day to day'
- Brendan Gallagher and David Musil both returned to the Giants lineup from their stints on the injured list
Giant game for the Rebels
The Red Deer Rebels kick off three home games in four nights when they host the Vancouver Giants tonight at the Enmax Centrium [game time 7pm. pregame show on The Drive at 6:30pm].
With a win tonight, and some help from the Calgary Hitmen, the Rebels can pull back within four points of Brandon for the final playoff spot in the WHL Eastern Conference while still holding two games at hand. (Brandon beat Kootenay 1-0 last night... which I atrociously neglected to realize during my on-air stories this morning, d'oh!)
The Rebels and Giants have not met yet this season. Vancouver has been battling through a number of injuries, including one to Brendan Gallagher of World Juniors fame (he hasn't played since Jan 13 and has 55 points in just 28 games for the Giants this season), and David Musil (Oilers prospect, Czech world junior defenceman) has not played since Jan 10. Still, the Giants remain in 4th place in the Western Conference (59 points).
Tonight on our broadcast... we'll hear about this weekend's 2nd annual Red Deer Minor Hockey Outdoor Classic Tournament. Co-chair Al Sim fills us in. Sounds like a great time is in store!
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Check out a happy Matt Fraser after the Red Deer native made his NHL debut last night vs. Anaheim... [via twitter @DallasStars] http://pic.twitter.com/4DTF4Rmv
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Starting today in Leduc, 12 teams will battle it out to see who will represent Alberta at next month's Scotties Tournament of Hearts right here in Red Deer. Shannon Kleibrink seeks her second straight Alberta title. Cheryl Bernard is also part of the stellar field. Red Deer's Lindsay Makichuk is playing with Desiree Owen's rink from the Peace region. They play their opening match this morning in Leduc at 9:30.
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This spring can be described as "crunch time" for the Lacombe Athletic Park Association. They have a fundraising goal of $400,000 as they proceed with phase three of construction on their fantastic facility. More details to come soon. In the meantime, check out www.lacombeathleticpark.ca for all the latest.
With a win tonight, and some help from the Calgary Hitmen, the Rebels can pull back within four points of Brandon for the final playoff spot in the WHL Eastern Conference while still holding two games at hand. (Brandon beat Kootenay 1-0 last night... which I atrociously neglected to realize during my on-air stories this morning, d'oh!)
The Rebels and Giants have not met yet this season. Vancouver has been battling through a number of injuries, including one to Brendan Gallagher of World Juniors fame (he hasn't played since Jan 13 and has 55 points in just 28 games for the Giants this season), and David Musil (Oilers prospect, Czech world junior defenceman) has not played since Jan 10. Still, the Giants remain in 4th place in the Western Conference (59 points).
Tonight on our broadcast... we'll hear about this weekend's 2nd annual Red Deer Minor Hockey Outdoor Classic Tournament. Co-chair Al Sim fills us in. Sounds like a great time is in store!
---
Check out a happy Matt Fraser after the Red Deer native made his NHL debut last night vs. Anaheim... [via twitter @DallasStars] http://pic.twitter.com/4DTF4Rmv
---
Starting today in Leduc, 12 teams will battle it out to see who will represent Alberta at next month's Scotties Tournament of Hearts right here in Red Deer. Shannon Kleibrink seeks her second straight Alberta title. Cheryl Bernard is also part of the stellar field. Red Deer's Lindsay Makichuk is playing with Desiree Owen's rink from the Peace region. They play their opening match this morning in Leduc at 9:30.
---
This spring can be described as "crunch time" for the Lacombe Athletic Park Association. They have a fundraising goal of $400,000 as they proceed with phase three of construction on their fantastic facility. More details to come soon. In the meantime, check out www.lacombeathleticpark.ca for all the latest.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Dumba Taking Flight
Simplicity.
That has been the key to Mathew Dumba's recent offensive success according to Rebels GM and Head Coach Jesse Wallin.
"He's a very passionate guy and he wants to be a difference. But at you move on at this level and beyond, even more so at the next level, sometimes as a defenceman less is more. He's played very assertively but has kept his game simple. He's not trying to rush the puck every time he gets it. He's just getting shots through to the net, making a good first pass, finding the open man."
Dumba has five points, including three goals, in his last three games while continuing to bring the thundering physical presence that has made him a fan favorite and top draft prospect. The 18-year-old admits being cut from Team Canada for the World Juniors took quite a while to get over, but he's finally done just that.
"I played so good at that camp and I knew coming back to the team that I wanted to bring as much back as I could and show that experience. I wanted to make an impact and didn't do that initially. But the slump was good for me in that I worked my way out of it."
Another key to Dumba's offensive surge has been some good chemistry with Turner Elson. They combined for a highlight reel 2-on-0 shorthanded goal versus Prince George last Saturday. Elson finished the game with four points, Dumba with three.
"It started in Brandon when we hooked up for a goal there. It hasn't really stopped yet. It's going good and we'd like to keep it going."
It's safe to say that if the Rebels hope to establish any sort of consistency in their chase for a playoff spot that #24 will play a key role.
The Rebels host the Vancouver Giants at the Enmax Centrium tomorrow night at 7pm.
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So instead of the Boston Bruins being able to enjoy their big moment at the White House with President Obama and the Stanley Cup, all anyone is talking about is Tim Thomas.
The Conn Smythe trophy winning goalie, and only American born player on the Bruins roster, was the only player who did not attend yesterday's ceremony. His reason... "I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People." He added "This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country."
I'm not too sure where I come out on this one. Normally, I am all for players exercising their right to express their opinions and personal beliefs. But part of me feels Thomas is being a bit selfish here. I dunno. What do you think?
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As expected as yesterday's move was, it's still sad for me to know that the Joffrey Reynolds era in Calgary is over. In future years when we look back at #21's time with the Stampeders, the two words that will jump to mind first will be "Class Act." Never did he exemplify that more than this past 2011 season after he was demoted in favour of Jon Cornish. Not once did Reynolds raise a stink about it. He definitely could have, creating big time problems for the Stamps in the process, but he put the team ahead of himself and soldiered on. In due time, he will be enshrined on the Stamepders' Wall of Honour and eventually the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. But for now he deserves the opportunity to continue his career elsewhere.
That has been the key to Mathew Dumba's recent offensive success according to Rebels GM and Head Coach Jesse Wallin.
"He's a very passionate guy and he wants to be a difference. But at you move on at this level and beyond, even more so at the next level, sometimes as a defenceman less is more. He's played very assertively but has kept his game simple. He's not trying to rush the puck every time he gets it. He's just getting shots through to the net, making a good first pass, finding the open man."
Dumba has five points, including three goals, in his last three games while continuing to bring the thundering physical presence that has made him a fan favorite and top draft prospect. The 18-year-old admits being cut from Team Canada for the World Juniors took quite a while to get over, but he's finally done just that.
"I played so good at that camp and I knew coming back to the team that I wanted to bring as much back as I could and show that experience. I wanted to make an impact and didn't do that initially. But the slump was good for me in that I worked my way out of it."
Another key to Dumba's offensive surge has been some good chemistry with Turner Elson. They combined for a highlight reel 2-on-0 shorthanded goal versus Prince George last Saturday. Elson finished the game with four points, Dumba with three.
"It started in Brandon when we hooked up for a goal there. It hasn't really stopped yet. It's going good and we'd like to keep it going."
It's safe to say that if the Rebels hope to establish any sort of consistency in their chase for a playoff spot that #24 will play a key role.
The Rebels host the Vancouver Giants at the Enmax Centrium tomorrow night at 7pm.
---
So instead of the Boston Bruins being able to enjoy their big moment at the White House with President Obama and the Stanley Cup, all anyone is talking about is Tim Thomas.
The Conn Smythe trophy winning goalie, and only American born player on the Bruins roster, was the only player who did not attend yesterday's ceremony. His reason... "I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People." He added "This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country."
I'm not too sure where I come out on this one. Normally, I am all for players exercising their right to express their opinions and personal beliefs. But part of me feels Thomas is being a bit selfish here. I dunno. What do you think?
---
As expected as yesterday's move was, it's still sad for me to know that the Joffrey Reynolds era in Calgary is over. In future years when we look back at #21's time with the Stampeders, the two words that will jump to mind first will be "Class Act." Never did he exemplify that more than this past 2011 season after he was demoted in favour of Jon Cornish. Not once did Reynolds raise a stink about it. He definitely could have, creating big time problems for the Stamps in the process, but he put the team ahead of himself and soldiered on. In due time, he will be enshrined on the Stamepders' Wall of Honour and eventually the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. But for now he deserves the opportunity to continue his career elsewhere.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday Morning Musings
Another .500 weekend for the Rebels.
For some teams, this wouldn't be so bad. But the time for moral victories is quickly running out for this team. They trail Brandon by four points for the final playoff spot in the WHL Eastern Conference (Rebels hold two games at hand).
By all accounts, yesterday's effort in a 4-2 loss to the Hitmen in Calgary was fairly solid. Chris Driedger turned aside 41 of 43 shots for the victory. Mathew Dumba scored his 14th of the season for the Rebels while Tyson Ness chipped in with his 12th. Chase Clayton scored two for Calgary, Jimmy Bubnick and Victor Rask (empty netter) added one each.
The Rebels can take solace in the fact they were much better against the Hitmen in this one than they were last Tuesday (5-1 home ice loss). But they came away with no points... which is what every game comes down to from here on in.
A big week starts on Wednesday night when the Vancouver Giants visit the Enmax Centrium, 7pm game time. League leading Tri-City visits on Friday. Brandon is here on Saturday!
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Great news for Red Deer native Matt Fraser! He has been called up by the Dallas Stars after lighting it up in the AHL so far this season. The 21-year-old former Rebel and Kootenay Ice forward has 21 goals and 14 assists in 35 games this season for the Texas Stars. He was also selected to play in the AHL All Star Game. He could make his NHL debut Tuesday night versus Anaheim.
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Another win yesterday for the Red Deer Midget AAA Optimist Rebels, 3-2 over the Calgary Royals. The Rebs are five points up on the Calgary Flames for first place in the Chrysler (South) Division standings as the league heads into its All-Star Weekend.
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For the first time in six seasons, there will be a new regular season champion in the Chinook Hockey League (Senior AAA). The Bentley Generals were knocked from their five-year perch with a 3-2 loss to the Sylvan Lake Admirals on Friday. The Lloydminster Border Kings (Allan Cup hosts) have wrapped up the regular season crown in their third season in the league. The Admirals look poised to finish third.
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Was great to see a large (and loud) crowd at Red Deer College on Friday night to take in some ACAC volleyball action. The Kings and Queens both looked great in sweeping the SAIT Trojans.
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Do Oilers fire Tom Renney before the end of the season? What is Steve Tambellini's status? Edmonton is in the running to finish dead last for a third straight year.
Do the Flames have a realistic chance of making the playoffs? They sit just two points out of 8th.
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I'm disgusted by some of my fellow 49ers fans who are issuing death threats toward Kyle Williams. Yes, the youngster had an awful day with two costly fumbles in the NFC Championship Game loss to the New York Giants. But they key word here is that it's still just a game! I'd like to think that North American football fans are better than their European soccer counterparts. The fact is that as bad as Williams was on those two plays, the 49ers as a whole simply were not good enough to win. Alex Smith and the offense did not make a single third down conversion through four quarters. Smith completed just one pass to a wide receiver for a paltry three yards. Meantime, Eli Manning stood tall despite being drilled repeatedly by the Niners defense and will get another shot at beating the Patriots in the Superbowl.
Billy Cundiff became the new Ray Finkel with his field goals shank versus New England just moments after Lee Evans dropped what should have been the game winning TD for the Ravens. Both the 49ers and Ravens have long off-seasons of "what if" ahead.
For some teams, this wouldn't be so bad. But the time for moral victories is quickly running out for this team. They trail Brandon by four points for the final playoff spot in the WHL Eastern Conference (Rebels hold two games at hand).
By all accounts, yesterday's effort in a 4-2 loss to the Hitmen in Calgary was fairly solid. Chris Driedger turned aside 41 of 43 shots for the victory. Mathew Dumba scored his 14th of the season for the Rebels while Tyson Ness chipped in with his 12th. Chase Clayton scored two for Calgary, Jimmy Bubnick and Victor Rask (empty netter) added one each.
The Rebels can take solace in the fact they were much better against the Hitmen in this one than they were last Tuesday (5-1 home ice loss). But they came away with no points... which is what every game comes down to from here on in.
A big week starts on Wednesday night when the Vancouver Giants visit the Enmax Centrium, 7pm game time. League leading Tri-City visits on Friday. Brandon is here on Saturday!
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Great news for Red Deer native Matt Fraser! He has been called up by the Dallas Stars after lighting it up in the AHL so far this season. The 21-year-old former Rebel and Kootenay Ice forward has 21 goals and 14 assists in 35 games this season for the Texas Stars. He was also selected to play in the AHL All Star Game. He could make his NHL debut Tuesday night versus Anaheim.
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Another win yesterday for the Red Deer Midget AAA Optimist Rebels, 3-2 over the Calgary Royals. The Rebs are five points up on the Calgary Flames for first place in the Chrysler (South) Division standings as the league heads into its All-Star Weekend.
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For the first time in six seasons, there will be a new regular season champion in the Chinook Hockey League (Senior AAA). The Bentley Generals were knocked from their five-year perch with a 3-2 loss to the Sylvan Lake Admirals on Friday. The Lloydminster Border Kings (Allan Cup hosts) have wrapped up the regular season crown in their third season in the league. The Admirals look poised to finish third.
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Was great to see a large (and loud) crowd at Red Deer College on Friday night to take in some ACAC volleyball action. The Kings and Queens both looked great in sweeping the SAIT Trojans.
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Do Oilers fire Tom Renney before the end of the season? What is Steve Tambellini's status? Edmonton is in the running to finish dead last for a third straight year.
Do the Flames have a realistic chance of making the playoffs? They sit just two points out of 8th.
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I'm disgusted by some of my fellow 49ers fans who are issuing death threats toward Kyle Williams. Yes, the youngster had an awful day with two costly fumbles in the NFC Championship Game loss to the New York Giants. But they key word here is that it's still just a game! I'd like to think that North American football fans are better than their European soccer counterparts. The fact is that as bad as Williams was on those two plays, the 49ers as a whole simply were not good enough to win. Alex Smith and the offense did not make a single third down conversion through four quarters. Smith completed just one pass to a wide receiver for a paltry three yards. Meantime, Eli Manning stood tall despite being drilled repeatedly by the Niners defense and will get another shot at beating the Patriots in the Superbowl.
Billy Cundiff became the new Ray Finkel with his field goals shank versus New England just moments after Lee Evans dropped what should have been the game winning TD for the Ravens. Both the 49ers and Ravens have long off-seasons of "what if" ahead.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Rebels Maul Cougars
Rebels - 5
Cougars - 1
[WHL game summary - http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/59900]
It was good... but it can be better. It needs to be better.
The Red Deer Rebels played well in their 5-1 win last night at the Enmax Centrium over the Prince George Cougars. It was certainly much, much better than what we all saw in their 5-1 loss to Calgary last Tuesday. Safe to say the "extended conditioning work" at practice this week paid immediate dividends.
As good as last night's performance was, it was fairly solid overall, the Rebels need to take their game up another notch as they head into today's game versus the Hitmen [4pm in Calgary, Cam Moon has the broadcast on 106.7 The Drive starting at 3:50].
The Cougars came into last night's game as a beaten and worn down group. They lost Friday night in Calgary 5-1 and were minus the services of six regulars versus the Rebels [a tune tragically familiar for Rebels fans].
Despite this, PG actually controlled the play through much of the first period. They did not score on their opening powerplay but looked dangerous throughout. The Cougars also looked poised to score on their second powerplay of the period until Turner Elson and Mathew Dumba found themselves on a rare shorthanded 2-on-0. They worked it to perfection as Dumba would tap home his 13th goal of the season for a 1-0 Rebels lead. Had the Cougars converted on their powerplay instead of the Rebels scoring shorthanded, this game may have been much different.
There also wasn't much to give between the two teams in the second period until Dumba set up Elson for a powerplay goal late in the frame. The Rebels took a 2-0 lead in to the final period where they would score three more times to seal the deal.
It was a decent effort overall by the Rebels. One that was good enough to beat the ninth place team in the Western Conference [FYI the Rebels 45 points would have them in 5th place in that conference] but whether it would have been good enough to beat a hot team like Calgary is up for debate. The Hitmen come into this afternoon's game winners of 9 of their last 10 games. That includes, of course, their way too easy win in Red Deer just a few days ago.
Back-to-back wins. An absolute necessity for the Rebels as they continue their desperate playoff chase but also something they still have not accomplished since November. A win today puts the Rebels just two points behind Brandon [who lost 7-3 last night to Kootenay] for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Red Deer will have two games at hand after today.
Other Notes...
- Deven Dubyk was oh so close to notching the shutout last night. The Cougars lone goal came early in the third period when Cody Carlson's point shot bounced off of a Rebels player [Colten Mayor we think] and into the net. Otherwise, it was a solid 32 save performance for the 20-year-old netminder.
- This was the first meeting between the Rebels and Cougars since the December 29th Daulton Siwak / Charles Inglis trade. Neither player factored into the scoring last night. There was quite a large contingent of Siwak supporters in the building which I know meant a lot to the 18-year-old Olds, Alberta native.
- Turner Elson was an easy choice as the games first star with two goals and two assists. Dumba was the second star with a goal and two assists. Adam Kambeitz, who chipped in with a goal of his own, was named by Mike Moller as the game's third star.
- 2011 1st rd bantam draft pick Conner Bleackley played in his 4th game with the Rebels last night. With the Rebels wearing their third jerseys last night, Bleackley wore #21 as opposed to #9 which he wore in his previous three appearances. Devan Fafard and Brooks Maxwell were the Rebels' healthy scratches.
- The Rebels could use some help from their divisional rivals this week. Brandon visits Kootenay on Tuesday, Calgary on Wednesday, and Edmonton on Friday before coming to Red Deer to play the Rebels next Saturday [which is 80's night at the Centrium!].
- The Rebels will be donning a special 'one night only' jersey when they host Calgary on February 4th. The team is joining forces with Finning to raise money for Kidsport. More details to come when they are available.
Cougars - 1
[WHL game summary - http://www.whl.ca/schedule/show/game/59900]
It was good... but it can be better. It needs to be better.
The Red Deer Rebels played well in their 5-1 win last night at the Enmax Centrium over the Prince George Cougars. It was certainly much, much better than what we all saw in their 5-1 loss to Calgary last Tuesday. Safe to say the "extended conditioning work" at practice this week paid immediate dividends.
As good as last night's performance was, it was fairly solid overall, the Rebels need to take their game up another notch as they head into today's game versus the Hitmen [4pm in Calgary, Cam Moon has the broadcast on 106.7 The Drive starting at 3:50].
The Cougars came into last night's game as a beaten and worn down group. They lost Friday night in Calgary 5-1 and were minus the services of six regulars versus the Rebels [a tune tragically familiar for Rebels fans].
Despite this, PG actually controlled the play through much of the first period. They did not score on their opening powerplay but looked dangerous throughout. The Cougars also looked poised to score on their second powerplay of the period until Turner Elson and Mathew Dumba found themselves on a rare shorthanded 2-on-0. They worked it to perfection as Dumba would tap home his 13th goal of the season for a 1-0 Rebels lead. Had the Cougars converted on their powerplay instead of the Rebels scoring shorthanded, this game may have been much different.
There also wasn't much to give between the two teams in the second period until Dumba set up Elson for a powerplay goal late in the frame. The Rebels took a 2-0 lead in to the final period where they would score three more times to seal the deal.
It was a decent effort overall by the Rebels. One that was good enough to beat the ninth place team in the Western Conference [FYI the Rebels 45 points would have them in 5th place in that conference] but whether it would have been good enough to beat a hot team like Calgary is up for debate. The Hitmen come into this afternoon's game winners of 9 of their last 10 games. That includes, of course, their way too easy win in Red Deer just a few days ago.
Back-to-back wins. An absolute necessity for the Rebels as they continue their desperate playoff chase but also something they still have not accomplished since November. A win today puts the Rebels just two points behind Brandon [who lost 7-3 last night to Kootenay] for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Red Deer will have two games at hand after today.
Other Notes...
- Deven Dubyk was oh so close to notching the shutout last night. The Cougars lone goal came early in the third period when Cody Carlson's point shot bounced off of a Rebels player [Colten Mayor we think] and into the net. Otherwise, it was a solid 32 save performance for the 20-year-old netminder.
- This was the first meeting between the Rebels and Cougars since the December 29th Daulton Siwak / Charles Inglis trade. Neither player factored into the scoring last night. There was quite a large contingent of Siwak supporters in the building which I know meant a lot to the 18-year-old Olds, Alberta native.
- Turner Elson was an easy choice as the games first star with two goals and two assists. Dumba was the second star with a goal and two assists. Adam Kambeitz, who chipped in with a goal of his own, was named by Mike Moller as the game's third star.
- 2011 1st rd bantam draft pick Conner Bleackley played in his 4th game with the Rebels last night. With the Rebels wearing their third jerseys last night, Bleackley wore #21 as opposed to #9 which he wore in his previous three appearances. Devan Fafard and Brooks Maxwell were the Rebels' healthy scratches.
- The Rebels could use some help from their divisional rivals this week. Brandon visits Kootenay on Tuesday, Calgary on Wednesday, and Edmonton on Friday before coming to Red Deer to play the Rebels next Saturday [which is 80's night at the Centrium!].
- The Rebels will be donning a special 'one night only' jersey when they host Calgary on February 4th. The team is joining forces with Finning to raise money for Kidsport. More details to come when they are available.
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