Welcome to the daily WHL playoff recap focusing on the Eastern Conference. Here is a look back at the day that was:
Brandon Wheat Kings (4) vs Red Deer Rebels (5) (OT)
In the first period, Ben King scored two quick goals 2:52 to make it 2-0 Rebels. The Wheat Kings then fought back to tie it. Wheat King Captain Ridly King scored his first to make it 2-1 after the first. Rylan Roersma tied it at 2-2 early in the second. Ben King would completed his hat trick to restore the lead for the Rebels. Greig got his second to tie it at 3-3. 47 seconds later Arshdeep Bains gave the Rebels the lead 4-3 at the end of the second period.
There was just one goal in the third. Marcus Kallionkeili ties the game at 4-4 to head into the overtime. The Wheat Kings got a two powerplays in overtime. Unfortunately, Brandon could not convert in either of them. Jayden Grubbe was able to capitalize at 7:41 of the third overtime and win the game and the series. It was the longest overtime in Red Deer Rebels history.
The story of this series has been the strong goaltending of both Chase Coward and Ethan Spencer. And it continued tonight. Both faced over 50 shots. The winning goalie Coward made 46 saves for the Rebels. Spencer made 50 saves.
Both teams top players were productive. For the Rebels, King had four points (3G, 1A) Bains also had four points (1G,3A) Jhett Larson has two assists. For the Wheat Kings, Greig had three points (2G,1A) while Nate Danielson had two assists.
The Rebels will now travel to Edmonton and face the Oil Kings for the second round. The Winnipeg ICE will host the Moose Jaw Warriors. The Oil Kings and Rebels will kick off Thursday night while the ICE and Warriors start on Friday.