The Red Deer U15AAA Rebels started the Alberta Elite Hockey League season on a high note.
Red Deer earned a 2-1 victory on home ice over the Calgary Bisons Saturday afternoon.
Calgary opened the scoring just past the midway point of the third before Tavish Beagle tied the game on the power play for Red Deer.
Tristen Buckley notched the game-winning goal for the Rebels with 1:32 left in the game on the man advantage. Daxon Rudolph and Leim Smith each had two assists in the win. Adam Jeffries turned aside 34 shots in the victory for Red Deer.
Meanwhile, the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs U18AAA team opened AEHL season with a pair of losses.
Red Deer fell to the Calgary Buffaloes 5-3 in their home opener Friday, before suffering a 6-0 to the Calgary Northstars Saturday.
In Friday’s loss, Aiden Knutson, Hayden Motowylo and Nolan Larson had goals.
The Red Sutter Fund Chiefs also opened the Alberta Female Hockey League Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 shootout loss to the St. Albert Slash.
Chole Shingoose and Ryann Holbein had goals in the loss, while Jolie Nafziger, Halle Graham and Bradlee Fisher all drew assists.