If the Rebels ever needed some incentive to play hard and play to win then this weekend is it. Not only do the Rebels finally get to play divisional rival Nelson Leafs, but this weekend starts a round of key match-ups with playoff implications.
Friday finds the Rebels travelling along the Kootenay River to Nelson to take on the Leafs. In what should be a great battle, the Rebels will be looking to move further ahead of Nelson in the Neil Murdoch standing. With three points currently separating the teams, every game between the two is a chance to make a statement. I asked Steve Junker about the weekend and he is "looking for his team to answer the bell". In the Neil Murdoch typically, "you have to get through Nelson or Beaver Valley in the playoffs so a game like this in Nelson should be as fun and as exciting as it gets". This is also a chance to see what the Nelson team looks like.
Junker is also looking for a sustained effort through the weekend and a strong performance at home against the Summerland Steam. This game is also a chance to welcome Steam goalie Alex Ross back to the Complex.
There have been some roster changes over the last few weeks. The Rebels forward Dylan Houle was moved. Defenseman Joren Johnson was signed by the Trail Smoke Eaters. Good luck Joren with your new team. I asked Junker about the Rebels roster and possible changes. Steve commented that the team is "a little short on defense" and like many teams in the league, "the Rebels continue to look for a player or two who could help the team". He noted that rule changes this year in BC Junior leagues from carrying 23 to now 21 players has resulted in very few player moves or players available.
Games ahead from this weekend include:
Dec 13 in Castlegar against Spokane
Dec 16 away in Kelowna
Dec 17 in Castlegar against Nelson
Dec 29 in Castlegar against BV
Dec 30 in BV
December should be a great month to watch some exciting Rebel hockey. It is also a fine moment for the Rebels to take the next big step as a team.
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