ASSINIBOIA — The last Saturday of September was a much-anticipated game as it was the home opener for the Richardson Pioneer Southern Jr. B Rebels. Held in conjunction with a community-wide event known as Black Top Hop, there was plenty of excitement in Assiniboia leading up to game time.
The season also began with the 7th Skater program, which offers a special and unique opportunity for young Southern Rebels fans to be part of a regular-season game. The opportunity allows the player to watch warm-ups from the bench, join the players on their entrance onto the ice, gather around the net pre-game, and stand with the player for the National Anthem.
The Seventh Skater also receives a one-of-a-kind jersey signed by the team, thanks to Travis Marit of Evolved Hockey for sponsoring these jerseys.
The Extreme Hockey Regina Capitals were in town after a decisive victory Sept. 26 over the Regina Silver Foxes.
The Caps led the Rebels 1-0 after the opening period. The only part of the score sheet in the first that included the Rebels was the penalty side, as both penalties assessed in the first period were Rebels players — Noah Oslowy for tripping and Jack Babier for too many players.
Fans in the stands numbered around 300 as Rebels faithful cheered loudly for their hometown team.
Samuel Tolsma kicked off the second period with a quick goal at 18:56, tying the game 1-1. However, it wasn’t long before a Regina goal extended their lead to 2-1. The Rebels continued to struggle to hold off the Caps as they extended their lead to 4-1 after the second period. Drew Fleger was the only Rebels penalty in the second, assessed two minutes for roughing at the four-minute mark.
In the third period, the gap widened as Regina knocked in a fifth goal, extending their lead by four. Kaleb McBurney took the first penalty in the third period for tripping in the final four minutes of the game. Drew Fleger from the Rebels and Dylan Schoenroth from Regina had a minor altercation, resulting in both receiving two-minute penalties for roughing in the last minute of play. Roman Markin took a late penalty for tripping with 50 seconds left in the game.
It was a disappointing 5-1 home opener for the Rebels, which means it will be back to the practice ice for the team as they head into an 11-game schedule in October.
Southland Co-op Centre will be home to a weekday game Oct. 1 against the Pilot Butte Storm. The Rebels will also host, for the first time in the PJHL, the Moosomin Steelhawks on Oct. 3 and again Oct. 4. Thanksgiving weekend the team plays on the road in Moosomin and Pilot Butte. There will be four more home games held in October.
Follow the Rebels website and social media pages for the latest news and updates on their season.
