Rebels beat Blades 4-2 in Saskatoon, take first in Eastern Conference
Poul Andersen scored twice and captain Beckett Hamilton added a goal and two assists as Red Deer jumped out to an early lead and held on for the win.
The Red Deer Rebels defeated the Saskatoon Blades 4-2 on Friday night, powered by an explosive first period that saw the team race to a 3-0 lead. Captain Beckett Hamilton opened the scoring just 2:53 into the game, then set up Poul Andersen for back-to-back goals within the next few minutes.
Cameron Kuzma extended the lead to 4-0 early in the second period before Saskatoon responded with two goals of its own, including a power-play tally from captain Brayden Klimpke late in the frame. Red Deer tightened up defensively in the third, surviving a five-minute major penalty for boarding to secure the 4-2 win despite being outshot 29-27 and going scoreless on three power-play chances. Goaltender Matthew Kondro made 17 saves on 19 shots.
The victory improves Red Deer's record to 3-2-0-1 and moves the Rebels into first place in the WHL's Eastern Conference. Andersen is now tied for the league lead in scoring with nine points, while Hamilton sits just behind with eight points and leads the WHL with five goals through six games.
The Rebels next travel to face the Moose Jaw Warriors on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.