Optimist Rebels Win Pacific Title, Advance To Telus Cup

He was first credited with scoring the game winner on Friday night when in fact it was Ty Mappin's goal. This time, Dylan Thudium made sure he would get his just due.

Thudium scored 2:02 into the second overtime to give the Red Deer Optimist Rebels a 4-3 win over the Vancouver NW Giants. Red Deer wins the Pacific Region Midget AAA Final 2-0 and will play at the Telus Cup national championship tournament, April 23 - 29.

Funny enough, Mappin's name was the one announced as having scored the game winner. But make no mistake, it was Thudium who clinched the series for Red Deer.

"Tanner Lomsnes made a good play on the wall just to chip out front" Thudium said in describing his overtime goal. "Then I just grabbed it quick and ripped it at the net and it went right bar [post] and in. I was pretty lucky actually. I didn't try and pick that spot, I just fired it at the net."

Lucky, perhaps. But this blogger is a firm believer that you have to be good to be lucky. And the Optimist Rebels were indeed good. Exceptionally so. But it didn't start out that way.

Neither the Optimist Rebels or the NW Giants seemed to be at their best in the opening period. But Vancouver did have two or three point blank scoring chances only to be thwarted by Red Deer goalie Dasan Sydora.

The floodgates opened up in the second period. Adam Helewka, Vancouver's leading scorer in both the regular season and playoffs, scored the Giants first goal of the series 2:42 into the second period which definitely energized the road squad (though they were the designated "home" team for game two). Giants Captain Taylor Tanti, son of former NHLer Tony Tanti, gave his team a two-goal lead at the 8:50 mark, creating a sense of frustration for the Optimist Rebels. Red Deer players, notably goaltender Dasan Sydora, were furious in thinking the goal should not have counted (feeling the net was knocked out of position). But nevertheless, Vancouver led 2-0.

Cue the turning point for Red Deer. Seeing the frustration and feeling the need to regroup, Optimist Rebels Head Coach Doug Quinn called a timeout.

"We were playing well but after they scored the body language did not look good at all" Quinn noted following the game. "It [the timeout] was just a matter of trying to refocus and realize there's a lot of game left."

Point taken. Just 55 seconds after the timeout, Thudium scored his first goal of the game to get the Optimist Rebels on the board and the Red Deer fans (approx. 1200 of them) on their feet and back in the game.

If the timeout was one thing that tilted the game in Red Deer's favour, depth on their bench was the other. Red Deer continued to roll out three forward lines in the second period while Vancouver had already cut down to two lines. It was quite noticeable as the game went on and with just over a minute left in the second period Logan Fisher tipped home a Stefan Danielson point shot for a game tying powerplay goal. 2-2 through 40 minutes.

Nick Glackin's goal 6:59 into the third period gave Red Deer its first lead of the game and you kind of got the sense that the Optimist Rebels would pull away with it from there. But give Vancouver credit, they kept battling and tied the game less than three minutes later at 9:44. Josh Thrower, who seems like a lock to play in the WHL for the Calgary Hitmen after his stellar performance in this series, rifled a point shot past a screened Dasan Sydora. 3-3. Overtime beckoned.

And overtime nearly ended as quickly as it began. The Mappin, Thudium, Lomsnes line came out flying and nearly jammed the puck into the next on their opening shift. But Vancouver goalie Liam Smith, who got the start despite Braden Krogfoss' MVP-style performance in game one, held the fort. He would continue holding the fort through the rest of the 10 minute overtime period. Red Deer outshot Vancouver 11-0 but to no avail. The NW Giants held on long enough to force a second overtime period.

From there, Thudium netted the game and series winner sending Red Deer to the Telus Cup for the second time in three years.

The Optimist Rebels will take a couple of days to enjoy their triumph in the regional final before returning to practice on Tuesday.

(more to come tomorrow) - TG

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GAME SCORING SUMMARY

1ST PERIOD
(NO SCORING)
SHOTS - RD 13, VAN 7

2ND PERIOD
2:42 VAN Helewka (Landon)
8:50 VAN Tanti (unassisted)
9:45 RD Thudium (Mappin, Lomsnes)
18:55 RD Fisher (Danielson, Topping) PPG
SHOTS - RD 14/27 VAN 7/14

3RD PERIOD
6:59 RD Glackin (Bakke, Mappin)
9:44 VAN Thrower (Carvalho) PPG
SHOTS - RD 8/35 VAN 9/23

OVERTIME
(NO SCORING)
SHOTS - RD 11/46 VAN 0/23

2ND OVERTIME
2:02 RD Thudium (Lomsnes)*
SHOTS - RD 3/49 VAN 1/24

* Goal was originally credited to Ty Mappin on the scoresheet, but it was indeed Dylan Thudium who scored the goal

Optimist Rebels One Win Away From Telus Cup

Check out TSN's latest story on Red Deer Rebels defenceman Mathew Dumba as he gets set to lead Team Canada into battle at the World U-18 Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.

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The scene played out last night at the Red Deer Arena was one we have already seen numerous times during the Red Deer Optimist Rebels playoff run.

Stifling defensive play. Dozens of shots on the opponent's net. Fast-paced. Low scoring.

Ty Mappin scored the only goal of the game with just 2:19 left in the third period. The Optimist Rebels took game one of the Pacific Region Midget AAA Championship 1-0 over the Vancouver NW Giants. Red Deer grabs a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

Mappin (who had three or four great scoring chances go for naught earlier in the period) was the beneficiary of a great setup by Tanner Lomsnes... who charged into Vancouver territory down the left wing side, blew past the defender and circled the net before sliding the puck through the crease to an open Mappin. Dylan Thudium was also in the area but admitted after the game that it was indeed Mappin who netted the game winning goal.

Lomsnes' solid effort did not go unnoticed by Red Deer Optimist Rebels Head Coach Doug Quinn.

"Tanner is one of the players that has certainly stepped up for us throughout the playoffs" Quinn commented following the game. "He's taken his game to another level. That line [with Mappin and Thudium] has really carried us."

At the other end of the rink, Dasan Sydora did what he's done all playoffs long for Red Deer. He wasn't tested often, Vancouver had 16 shots on the night, but faced some quality chances. Especially so in the third period when both teams were pressing hard for the elusive first goal. Sydora earned his fifth shutout in 11 playoff games played. His goals against average drops to a miniscule 0.91 while his save percentage rises to a sparkling .963.

Quinn said it was exciting for his players to play in front of a raucous hometown crowd [estimated at approx. 1000] but felt it also may have played a role in what he felt was a slow start to the game for the Optimist Rebels.

When it comes to the Vancouver NW Giants, Braden Krogfoss was their best player on the night (he and Lomsnes were selected as the Players of the Game for their respective teams). The 16-year-old netminder turned aside 37 of the 38 shots he faced and gave his team a chance to win right up until the final whistle. Now when you look at the Giants stats, they have split their games fairly evenly between Krogfoss and his goaltending partner, Liam Smith. It will be very interesting to see who Head Coach Todd Harkins goes with tonight for game two.

Giants defenceman Josh Thrower was given plenty of ice time to audition for his WHL team. The 6'0" 186 lb. defender was selected in the 2nd round of the WHL Bantam Draft by the Calgary Hitmen... and both GM Kelly Kisio and Assistant Coach Brent Kisio were in attendance last night to see him play first hand. I think they'll be pleased with what they saw for the most part. Aside from a couple of minor miscues, Thrower played very well for the amount of ice time he received... which was a lot.

Vancouver's leading scorer Adam Helewka (9 points in playoff games coming into last night, 53 points in 40 regular season games) was held at bay last night. But judging by those numbers it'll be tough to do that two nights in a row. No doubt he'll have something to say about how tonight's game turns out.

"We had a kind of nervous energy and sometimes that can tire a body out. But, we found a way to win and that's all that matters right now."

It's safe to say that Quinn and the rest of the Optimist Rebels would love to see another large crowd on-hand tonight at the Red Deer Arena as they try to clinch the series and a trip to the Telus Cup in Leduc. Game time tonight is at 7pm.

If you're unable to make it to the game, check out www.imediatv.ca as I'll have live play-by-play coverage. We had great response to our first broadcast last night, thanks to everyone who tuned in! We hope to have you back again tonight (and tell some friends!)

Midget Rebels Are Provincial Champs (Again)

I'm always a bit hesitant to use the word "dynasty" but the Red Deer Optimist Rebels have earned it.

They beat the St. Albert Raiders 5-3 last night at the Red Deer Arena to sweep the Alberta Midget Hockey League final series three games to none.

For the Baby Rebels, it's their third straight AMHL and Midget AAA provincial title and their sixth in the past ten years.

Dynasty? Yup, that definitely counts.

Last night's game had a much different feel for Red Deer compared to all of their other playoff games. It had become almost routine to see the Optimist Rebels outshoot their opponents by at least 20 or 30 shots on their way to victory (there were a few 2-0, 2-1 and 3-2 games that were nowhere near that close in terms of game play).

Red Deer opened the scoring just 2:47 into the game courtesy of Rory Davidson. But Liam McNamara replied with a shorthanded goal for St. Albert and it was 1-1 through twenty minutes.

Tyler Lomsnes gave Red Deer a 2-1 lead 3:14 into the second period and BJ Duffin scored just 18 seconds later to make it 3-1. The Optimist Rebels were seemingly in cruise control at that point.

But St. Albert called a timeout after Duffin's goal and it definitely had an impact. The Raiders refused to roll over and eventually cut into the Rebels lead late in the middle frame. It was 3-2 heading into the third period.

The gathered crowd over over 1,000 was silenced when McNamara scored his second of the game for the Raiders, tying it 3-3 just over six minutes into the third. St. Albert was full of confidence and Red Deer was on its heels somewhat.

In the end, special teams would prove to be the difference. The Raiders took back to back minors with just over three minutes remaining, giving the Optimist Rebels a 5-on-3 powerplay. The would take full advantage.

Stefan Danielson scored the eventual series winner with a blast from the point with 3:08 remaining. Joel Topping would add an insurance marker forty seconds later. Red Deer wins 5-3.

Red Deer Head Coach Doug Quinn was pleased with how his team battled back to earn the win.

"We were back on our heels in the second half of the first period. I thought we actually played pretty well in the second period, we kind of regrouped. We got into penalty problems and once they got that second goal then we were playing like we were trying not to lose, which is a dangerous combination."

Quinn says winning a third straight provincial crown is a testament to the overall strength of their program.

"The group of coaches that we have here and the type of players that are coming through the program, there's an expectation that if you're gonna play here you gotta give us everything. And we certainly feel that that combination will always give us an opportunity to compete for provincial championships."

But now a much tougher challenge lays ahead for the Rebels, a third straight meeting with the Vancouver Northwest Giants in the Pacific Region Midget AAA Final. The best-of-three series will be played at the Red Deer Arena, April 6-8. There is no doubt in Quinn's mind that home ice advantage will play a huge role in the series.

"Two years ago when we played [Vancouver] it was a huge advantage playing at home." (Red Deer won the series). Vancouver came out on top when they hosted the series last year.

If/when the Baby Rebels get past Vancouver they will go after the Telus Cup national title that has always been just beyond their reach (Red Deer finished as the runner-up when they hosted in 07, as well as back in 94 and 95). This year's Telus Cup tournament will take place in Leduc, April 23 - 29.

A Scare For Hamilton, Another Blow For The Rebels

This one was scary.

On a seemingly innocent play midway through the third period, Rebels forward Joel Hamilton was hit into the single stanchion between the players benches at the Enmax Centrium.

He immediately made his way on to the end of the Rebels bench where he sat hunched over. Initial thoughts upon seeing this unfold from the press box was that Hamilton was merely winded.

But there he remained, hunched over and motionless, for the remainder of the period with Rebels Athletic Therapist Terrence Robertson standing by him the entire time. Something was up.

Long after both teams had retreated to their dressing rooms following the conclusion of the game, Hamilton remained seated at the end of the Rebels bench, still hunched over. He and Robertson were joined by two of the Red Deer EMS staff working at the game and they were taking every precaution necessary. Eventually, Hamilton was laid on to a backboard and taken to hospital. It made for a restless night for many of us involved with this Rebels club as we hoped for the best for Hamilton... who had a goal and an assist and was a +2 before leaving the game.

Earlier today... word came down via twitter regarding the extent of Hamilton's injury... courtesy of @GregMeachem - "Joel Hamilton has a fracture of his L1 and L2 vertebrae, out a minimum of 4 weeks. Long-term health not affected, will make a full recovery."

Hamilton also tweeted a few times himself today. He is thankful for all of the support he's received so far and is optimistic regarding his recovery.

That wasn't the only injury suffered by the Rebels in last night's 8-5 loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors (more on the game itself coming up). Cory Millette left the game and did not return after taking a shot off the top of his foot. Thankfully, it is merely a bruise and he is listed as day-to-day meaning he could be ready in time for Wednesday night's game in Prince George.

As I mentioned, the Rebels two game winning streak came to an end last night by a score of 8-5. A solid opening period which saw the Rebels take a 2-0 lead was followed by a eye-popping nine goal outburst in the middle stanza. Unfortunately for the Rebels, Moose Jaw scored six of those nine goals.

After doing a great job of limiting the number of scoring chances they gave up against the Kootenay Ice one night earlier (a 2-0 Rebels victory in Cranbrook) the Rebels stumbled into a track meet with one of the elite teams in the WHL. With the likes of Quinton Howden, Cam Braes, James Henry, and Justin Kirsch all firing on all cylinders the Rebels were overmatched. The Rebels did not play horribly by any means (although they did have a couple of turnovers that proved costly) they were simply beaten by a solid Warriors club that is suddenly learning how to win road games... which is a scary prospect for their opponents as playoff time draws closer (Moose Jaw has just 12 road wins all season, but 3 of those wins came this week in Lethbridge, Calgary and Red Deer).

As a result of this weekend's action... the Rebels still remain four points back of Brandon for the eighth and final playoff spot in the WHL Eastern Conference. The Rebels now have just one game at hand on the Wheaties. And now... no more home games until March as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts takes over the Enmax Centrium.

Bright spots for the Rebels last night...

- The first ever WHL goal for defenceman Cody Thiel (perhaps my interview with him this week brought good karma haha)

- The first ever WHL point, an assist, for defenceman Kevin Pochuk... it may be a sign of things to come for the Rebels as it appears he will be granted leave from his midget AAA team in Manitoba, the Winnipeg Wild. They are cruising along in the standings and have the luxury to be able to part ways with Pochuk for a few games and not miss a beat. It's good news for the Rebels as it means they will start the road trip with at least five healthy defenceman (could be more if we hear good news on Monday regarding Devan Fafard and/or Kayle Doetzel)

- Charles Inglis scored again to extend his points streak to six straight games

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Earlier this afternoon (Sunday) I made it over to the Red Deer Arena to watch the Optimist Rebels beat the Edmonton K of C Pats 8-2 in Alberta Midget Hockey League action. With the win, the baby rebs clinch first place in the Chrysler (south) Division and they can clinch first place overall with a win over Lethbridge in their final regular season game next Sunday.

Chatting with Head Coach Doug Quinn after today's game, he is extremely pleased with how his team responded since losing to the Calgary Flames last Thursday. They allowed just 13 shots against in their 5-0 win yesterday over Conner Bleackley and the UFA Bisons. Today, the Pats managed a mere 14 shots. Much like their WHL namesake, the midget Rebels have gone through their fair share of injuries of late. But the team has met the challenge head on and looks to be rounding into form just in time for the playoffs... good stuff!

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More thoughts on the Rebels as well as the Bentley Generals, curling (Red Deer foursome becomes national champions!), and RDC Athletics coming tomorrow. Until then, enjoy what's left of your weekend :)

TG