Nov 24, 2019 | CherylAnn Golem | 115 views
Rebel Versus Predator
The Township of Chatsworth and District, Moggie Valley Timber Inc., Midget Rep Rebels, finally played a home game this season, when they faced off against the Central Perth Predators in Markdale. It may have been raining outside, but it was still freezing in the arena as always.
The Rebels should have been able to wear down the short bench of AP'd Predators but it seemed to be the Rebels that ran out of stamina as the game went on. The Rebels started out strong and controlled their emotions well in the first and stayed out of the penalty box while controlling much of the play.
Around the 10 minute mark, the Rebels took to the ice for a powerplay. Though the Rebels have struggled all season on their powerplay, they took control and maintained it. After a number of excellent passes the Rebels finally capitalized when Jake Moran finished a pass from Calvin Stewart to take the lead 1 - 0.
The Rebels continued to play hard and seemed to be in control of the game until near the mid-point of the second when their penalty-free streak ended. The penalty kill seemed to be doing well with goalie Lawson Cumming coming up big when needed. Unfortunately, a bad tip in front went up, over and into the net to even the game at 1 - 1.
Despite the short predator bench, the Rebels were the ones who appeared to tire. More and more as the game progressed the Predators were the ones to succeed in the little battles and races for the puck. Rebels still fought but they seemed to lack the same energy they showed in the first. At 11:01 of the third, the Preds managed to find the net again and took the lead 2 - 1.
TCD regrouped and, after some excellent battling in the corner, in a pile up of players, the Rebels stayed strong and dug it free. Wyatt Golem slid it to Austin McComb who fired it at Austin King in front of the net. The puck struck Kinger and fell into the crease where he batted it home to even the score at 2 with just over 4 minutes remaining in the game.
Rebels pushed to get ahead but were denied repeatedly. As the period drew to a close and miscommunication led the Predators to be given a huge breakaway with only 10 seconds remainingin the game. As the Predator skated towards the Rebel net, Rebel defenseman Jordan Beirnes scrambled to catch up and made a superman dive to tip the puck off the Predator's stick and not trip the player. The final seconds ticked away and the buzzer sounded on a 2 - 2 tie.
Rebels have home games again on Sunday and Thursday. Come out and show your support. These Rebels look like they are starting to work the kinks out on special teams and we hope are destined for better results as the season progresses.
Go Rebels Go!!!