The Red Deer Rebels would have liked to sweep their series on Wednesday in Game 4 but the Saskatoon Blades had other plans.
The Rebels took a 2-0 lead in the first period, both scored by sniper Kai Uchacz, but the Blades responded in the following periods. In the second they notched their first of the game but exploded in the final frame scoring three straight tallies.
Now the Rebels are focused on an all-important Game 5 in enemy territory on Friday night at the SaskTel Centre at 7 p.m..
If Red Deer wins they’ll advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2016 but if Saskatoon claims the victory they’ll force a Game 6 back in Red Deer.
For most of the series, the Rebels have dominated play on the ice winning Games 1, 2, and 3 by two goals or more.
They’ve had significant contributions the last four games from their veteran players including captain Jayden Grubbe who has five points this series. Ben King, Jhett Larson, and Christoffer Sedoff are right behind with four points each.
Not to mention the goaltending by Kyle Kelsey who has been stellar throughout the playoffs. Kelsey is third among all goalies in the playoffs with a 1.93 GAA and a .928 save percentage.
The Rebels will also be without forward Kalan Lind for Friday’s game after a scary incident on Wednesday that saw him get taken off the ice on a stretcher.
Just minutes into Game 4 Lind took a massive blow to the head that left him unconscious on the ice. After medical staff secured Lind onto a stretcher he was lifted off the ice and gave the crowd a thumbs up.
The Rebels released a statement midgame saying Lind was transported to Red Deer Regional Hospital. They explained he was aware and responsive, and had further testing Wednesday evening. He was released from the hospital that same evening.
On Thursday afternoon the Rebels posted a video on their Twitter account with a message from Lind. He appeared in good spirits and wished the team good luck.
Kalan Lind! ❤️
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) April 20, 2023
Lets gooooo pic.twitter.com/KWJKM3WKPq
“Hey Rebels fans,” Lind said.
“Just wanted to thank everyone who reached out and had me in their thoughts. I’m doing better today. I’m still a bit sore but feeling good. Just wanted to wish the boys good luck in Saskatoon tomorrow. Go give ‘er hell. Let’s go boys.”