The 2020/2021 hockey season began with an electrified jolt in the right direction for Assiniboia鈥檚 Senior Rebels, when the home favourites clashed with Glentworth Thunder on the superstitious day of Friday, Nov. 13 at the Assiniboia Civic Centre Arena.
The Senior Rebels weren鈥檛 colliding with black cats, nor were they strolling underneath ladders on Friday night, when they cleared the ice with a 9-3 victory against the team from Waverley.
The Rebels鈥� luck began at once when they sliced a zinger into the net at 19:32, with Bryce Hall scoring with the assistance of Dakota Helland and Kyle Hall.
The Rebels quickly followed up with another goal at 15:03 by Mitch Holick with help from Bryce Hall and Braydon Delorme.
Although Glentworth perked up at 11:33 with an opposing goal, the Rebels fought back with an unassisted shot by Bryce Hall at 8:30 near the end of the first period.
Glentworth returned fire in the second period during the powerplay with a goal at 9:09, but Assiniboia followed through with three goals in succession throughout the second, ending the bracing segment of this game with a formidable 6-2 score.
Bryce Hall, Sean Hall, Sean Whelan were the heroes of the second period, with notable support from Lane Cayer, Mitch Holick, Derek Lessmeister and Landon Marit.
The Rebels continued to dominate the game in the third period with a goal at the top at 17:53 by Derek Lessmeister, assisted by Braydon Delorme and Zack Evans.
Glentworth Thunder powered one through the twines at 12:30, but the Rebels answered back with another volley through the enemy鈥檚 net at 9:20 by Bryce Hall, assisted by Kyle Hall and Sean Whalen.
With the end of the game nearing, Dakota Helland sealed the deal at 1:23 with another goal, assisted by Kyle Hall and Matthew Lothian, giving the Rebels a 9-3 result.
Assiniboia will travel to Glentworth for a rematch at the Glentworth Waverley Sport Centre with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14.聽
This year, the Notekeu League are following guidelines to keep spectators and players safe during the pandemic.
The spectators were limited to 150 at the Assiniboia Civic Centre Arena on Nov. 13. In addition, the local sports fans were encouraged to sanitize their hands and maintain physical distancing. Masking was mandatory on Friday night in the arena.
Also, the rink鈥檚 concession along and the beer gardens will remain closed until further notice to maintain safety.
A statement from the Senior Rebels read: 鈥淥ur priority is to keep fans, volunteers, staff, and players safe and healthy, so we can continue to play hockey in a year that has been filled with many twists and uncertainties. The following guidelines will be enforced and are subject to change due to changes to the Saskatchewan Public Health Order, SHA and the Saskatchewan Health Authority at any time. We will not have a concession or beer gardens opened at this time. We hope to see everyone at the rink!鈥�
