(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Rebels fall 3-2 against the Tigers in first overtime loss this season

Jan 3, 2024 | 10:23 AM

In their first game of 2024, the Red Deer Rebels fell 3-2 against the Medicine Hat Tigers at the Co-Op Place in their first overtime loss of the season.

Their third consecutive game reaching overtime, the Rebels remain 0-3 against the Tigers.

Late in the first period at 16:11, Red Deer’s Matthew Gard was able to open the scoreboard with a rebound off a loose puck on Tigers netminder Ethan McCallum. Gard’s fifth goal of the season was assisted by Jeramiah Roberts and Elias Carmichael for a 1-0 lead.

But shortly after at 17:36, Medicine Hat’s Gavin McKenna evened the game 1-1, scoring on Rebels goaltender Chase Wutzke.

After 20 minutes of play, both teams were tied for shots on goal (8-8).

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In the second period, the Tigers’ Oasiz Wiesblatt capitalized on a power play opportunity as Red Deer’s Evan Smith was sent to the box for high sticking. This put the team in a 2-1 lead against the Rebels.

The Rebels slightly outshot the Tigers 7-6 in the middle frame.

In the final period, it was the Rebels’ turn to take advantage of a power play as Medicine Hat’s Hunter St. Martin was given a tripping penalty. Red Deer’s Hunter Mayo tied the game early in the period at 1:47 when he scored his fourth goal of the season just outside the neutral zone. With Ollie Josephson and Samuel Drancak claiming the assist, the game was now 2-2.

Although the Rebels outshot the Tigers 13-12 in the third period, no further goals were scored on either side, pushing the game into overtime.

With seven seconds left in overtime, Medicine Hat’s Wiesblatt scored his second goal of the game, bringing home the win at 3-2.

The Tigers outshot the Rebels in overtime 4-1.

Shots on goal

RD: 29

MH: 30

Power Play

RD: 1/3

MH: 2/3

Three Stars

1^st: Ethan McCallum (MH) – 27 saves

2^nd: Chase Wutzke (RD) – 27 saves

3^rd: Oasiz Wiesblatt (MH) – 2 goals, 1 assist

In the Central Division, the Rebels sit in second place with a record of 18-13-0-4 while the Tigers remain in first place at 22-11-2-0.

The Rebels will have another chance against the Tigers this Friday at the Peavey Mart Centrium. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. with the broadcast live on 106.7 REWIND radio at 6:30 p.m.