Rebels beat Hitmen 5-2, build four-point Central Division lead
Captain Beckett Hamilton had a goal and three assists as Red Deer downed Calgary in front of 3,319 fans at home.
The Red Deer Rebels defeated the Calgary Hitmen 5-2 on Friday night in a Central Division matchup watched by 3,319 fans. Captain Beckett Hamilton recorded a goal and three assists, while defenceman Matus Lisy added three assists. Goaltender Matthew Kondro stopped 26 of 28 shots and was named the game's first star.
Calgary opened the scoring on a power play late in the first period, but Red Deer tied it while shorthanded in the second when Hamilton scored on a breakaway. Poul Andersen put the Rebels ahead just 58 seconds into the third period, redirecting a shot from Lisy to extend his WHL-leading point total to 25 in 15 games.
Jiri Kamas added a one-timer to make it 3-1, and Kalder Varga scored on a rebound to push the lead to three goals. Calgary's Blake Vanek scored on a late power play to cut the deficit before Cole Temple sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
The victory improved Red Deer's record to 9-4-1-1, putting the Rebels four points ahead of the Hitmen atop the Central Division after 15 games. Head coach Brent Kisio praised the team's work ethic and credited Kondro's goaltending along with strong play from Hamilton and Lisy. The Rebels next travel to face Edmonton on Sunday at Rogers Place.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.