The defending Canadian midget AAA hockey champion Red Deer Optimist Rebels opened their 2012-13 exhibition season on a positive note, posting a 3-0-1 record in the annual Alberta Midget League tournament at Strathmore.
The Rebels battled to a 2-2 draw with the Calgary Buffaloes, then went on a run that included 8-3, 4-0 and 4-1 wins over the Calgary Northstars, host UFA Bisons and the Buffaloes.
The Optimist Rebels take on the Northstars in a preseason encounter on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. at the Red Deer Arena before opening regular-season play on Sept. 29 at Calgary versus the Buffaloes. Red Deer’s first regular-season home game is set for Sept. 30 versus the Calgary Royals.