The Red Deer Rebels used a 40-save performance from Ethan Anders and a hat trick, including two empty netters, from Josh Tarzwell to steal the show with a 5-2 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The Rebels victory spoiled the return and season debut of Dylan Cozens, who was the big story heading into the game.
It didn’t take long for Cozens to make an impact in his return, opening the scoring just 6:53 into the first period. The Hurricanes looked energized by the return of the Yukon native and seemed to gather momentum after he ripped the shot past Anders.
But from there, Anders took over, making some keys saves to keep it a one-goal game and Red Deer responded. The Rebels thought they had scored, but it was waved off for goalie interference when Carl Tetachuk was bumped into. The officials had a conference and overturned the call, deciding it was Tetachuk’s own defender that had bumped into him. Former Hurricane Brett Davis was credited with the goal. The game was tied at one after 20.
The second period was the Ethan Anders show. He turned away all 12 shots he faced, but many of those were in high danger areas, including robbing Cozens of another sure goal. The Rebels capitalized on both of their power plays in the period.
First, it was the captain, Dawson Barteaux, blasting home his first of the season from Chris Douglas and Brett Davis. Josh Tarzwell made it 3-1 with his first of the season and the game, tapping it past Tetachuk. Arshdeep Bains and Douglas were credited with the assists.
Down two heading into the final frame, the home side pressed hard, but like it was all night long, Anders stood tall all period, including a mid-period penalty kill. Anders recorded 16 saves in the third period before it was all said and done.
Calen Addison finally blasted one through the wall that was Anders to give the Hurricanes a little hope late in the final period. Cozens and Koltraine Wilson recorded assists on Addison’s first of the season. That was as close as the Hurricanes would get. Josh Tarzwell scored goals two and three of his season and the night into the empty net to secure a 5-2 win for the visitors.
Final shots were a lopsided 42-15 for the Hurricanes, with an impressive 40 saves for Anders.
After the game, coach Brent Kisio gave credit where it was due. “Like I told the guys, that was one of the more dominant performances that I’ve been a part of with the team five-on-five and still end up on the losing side. We played hard, and we ran into a very good goalie that kind of stole the game for the team.”
Kisio was happy with the team’s effort on the night including his star Cozens. “I thought he played hard and played a very good game, a lot of positives.”
Cozens echoed what his coach said about Anders while also reflecting on his play. “We played a really good game. You can just tell from the shots (that) we had lots of chances. I think the biggest thing we got to focus on is just being there ready with stick on the ice, lots of traffic. There’s lots of rebounds that we could have finished, and if we got a couple of those, it’s definitely a different outcome. You know, Anders played a really good game. He sat on his head. I had lots of chances — I should have scored a few more.”
Shooting the breeze: Anders was named the game’s first star. Cozens was star two. The Rebels were a perfect two-for-two on the power play while the Hurricanes were blanked on three chances a man up.
Cozens spoke about being back in Lethbridge and how it felt to get a quick one in his return. “You know, it’s so nice to be back here and playing in front of these fans and just to be able to score like that right away feels really good.”
He went on to talk about being in Buffalo and the different feel between the leagues and adapting back to life in the WHL. “Yes, there’s definitely a difference to go from playing against 35-year-olds to, you know, back to 16-year-olds. So there’s definitely a difference in strength there and just the speed of things but, you know, it’s still a really good league and guys are still on you right away. There’s still not a lot of time and space. But I think I learned a lot when I was out there with Buffalo and those exhibition games and, you know, I’m going to take that in and get better every day and prepare for next year.”
Next up for the Hurricanes is a date with the Oil Kings in Edmonton on Sunday afternoon, while the Rebels head home to welcome the Calgary Hitmen Saturday night.
