Krbecek, Band Lift Rebels in First Franchise Win
September 15, 2022 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Philadelphia Rebels News Release
BLAINE, MN - In the first game in Philadelphia Rebels' franchise history, the Rebels (1-0-0-0, 2 pts) were able to pick up the win, 5-2 over the Corpus Christi IceRays (0-1-0-0, 0 pts). The Rebels were fueled by a stellar effort in net from Jakub Krbecek. Krbecek stopped 33 shots en route to the win.
Offensively, the Rebels featured goals from Oliver Band (1) and Matt Lewis (1) in the first period. Connor Sedlak (1) put the Rebels up by two in the second period after his pass to the front of the net deflected off the skate of an IceRay and into the net. In the third period, Greg Spitznagel (1) tallied a powerplay marker and Band (2) scored on an odd-man rush for his second of the game.
The IceRays' goals were scored by defenseman Dominic Foglia in the first period and forward Michael Casey in the third.
Throughout the third period, the Rebels continued to draw penalties. They had one full five-on-three powerplay and another abbreviated two-man advantage later in the period.
"In the third period, we found a way to battle through some adversity and capitalized on a power play to separate us a little bit more," said head coach Justin Hale. "I told them after the game in the locker room 'It's always better to win, then learn.' There are things we can continue to improve on, but they competed, stuck together and found a way to win."
The IceRays were able to get a goal back early in the third on the powerplay as Casey scored unassisted. Krbecek was hit in his net before the shot was released prompting a conference between the officials at center ice. After the deliberation, the officials deemed it was a legal goal, making it a one-goal game.
Following the goal by Casey, the Rebels struck gold on one of their many powerplays during the third period. A shot from Kristians Samitis that was blocked bounced right over to Greg Spitznagel who fired into an empty net, restoring the Rebels' two-goal lead.
Oliver Band led the Rebels with two goals in the game. His first goal was the first goal in Rebels' franchise history and his second put the team up 5-2 and put the game out of reach for the IceRays.
Head coach Justin Hale picked up his first career North American Hockey League win. The Rebels are back in action on Thursday against Wisconsin at 3:30pm EST. The game can be seen live on HockeyTV.
North American Hockey League Stories from September 15, 2022
- Bulls Earn First-Ever 1-0 Win in Victory over Shreveport - North Iowa Bulls
- Multi-Goal Performance from Brassard & Goffredo Leads to 4-1 Win - Austin Bruins
- Gens Drop Second Game of Showcase to Wilderness 7-3 - Northeast Generals
- Rebels Fall to Windigo on Day Two of Showcase - Philadelphia Rebels
- Minotauros Win First of Season - Minot Minotauros
- Three First Period Goals Propel Jets to 4-1 Win over Titans - New Jersey Titans
- Jackalopes Win Season Opener, 2-1 - Odessa Jackalopes
- NAHL Showcase Underway - St. Cloud Norsemen
- Mason Lyttle Steps Down as Vice President of Janesville Jets - Janesville Jets
- Hat Tricks Drop NAHL Showcase Opener to Kenai River - Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
- Krbecek, Band Lift Rebels in First Franchise Win - Philadelphia Rebels
- St. Cloud Falls to New Mexico 5-2 to Start 2022-23 Season - St. Cloud Norsemen
- Bulls Welcome Wisconsin to NAHL with 5-0 Shutout Win - North Iowa Bulls
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
