The Red Deer Rebels took care of business at home in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
Goaltender Kyle Kelsey got his first postseason shutout meanwhile the veteran players stepped up big in a 3-0 win over the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL Playoffs.
Head coach Steve Konowalchuk said his team worked hard which he expected against a tough Hitmen squad.
“It’s playoff hockey,” Konowalchuk said. “Everybody from your top guys got to be at the top of their game and they were. I thought Uchacz played a really good game. That line, I mean Formanek, Grubbe you know it’s playoff hockey and you need everybody going.”
The Rebels were relentless in the opening period firing 18 shots on goal to the Hitmen’s nine in front of 4,811 fans.
Their offensive pressure was rewarded late in the period when Rebels sniper Kai Uchacz fired a wrist shot past Hitmen goaltender Brayden Peters off the pass from Kalan Lind.
In the second period, the Rebels didn’t have the same push offensively that was shown in the first. They were outshot 12-7 despite eight minutes of powerplay time.
Rebels goaltender Kyle Kelsey had multiple important saves in the middle frame including a sprawling save with his pads with just under five minutes left.
Kyle Kelsey came to play. #RDREBELS #WHLPlayoffs #RDvsCGY pic.twitter.com/lNdfqUlTqh
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) April 1, 2023
In the third period, the Rebels potted an insurance goal with just seven minutes remaining when captain Jayden Grubbe banged in the rebound in front of the net that trickled past the goalie.
With two minutes remaining, forward Frantisek Formanek hammered in a slap shot in the slot to extend their lead 3-0.
Konowalchuk gave Dwayne Jean Jr. credit for his impact on the forecheck to help Grubbe score his goal in the third.
“There’s different guys. It’s just so important everybody contributes so it was a good team effort,” Konowalchuk said.
Kelsey was spectacular in his first playoff game of his young career. He made 25 saves marking his third shutout in his last four starts.
“Tonight’s game felt really good. It felt good to get the first playoff game under my belt,” Kelsey said.
“The guys played great they were winning their one on one battles. I can’t say much they were fantastic out there.”
Getting his first postseason shutout feels great but he said he can’t get too high on himself. It’s a long series and he’s looking forward to Saturday night.
The Rebels will get back to work on Saturday when they host the Hitmen for Game 2 at 7 p.m.
“We got to get ready. We’ve got to be a little bit better in some areas as well. There are still some things we can improve on as well… We know we’ve got a tough series here with these guys,” Konowalchuk added.
