The Red Deer Rebels are on the brink of getting swept in the Eastern Conference Semifinal against the Saskatoon Blades.
The Rebels had to rely on their third-string goalie, Taylor Tabashniuk, after both Chase Wutzke and Rhett Stoesser were reported as injured. The 17-year-old netminder would end up stopping 31 of 38 shots in a game that was back and forth for both teams.
After falling 3-1 in the first period, Carson Birnie would score a short handed goal to move the Rebels within one before heading to the middle frame. Another goal at the 2 minute mark of the second by Quentin Bourne would have the game tied. Unfortunately Saskatoon would answer back with 3 more goals in the second, including the game winner, to put the home team too far behind.
Talon Brigley would score a short handed goal in the third, but it wasn't enough for Red Deer to win the game.
The final score 8-5 for Saskatoon.
Game 4, a must win for Red Deer, goes tonight at 7:00 at The Peavey Mart Centrium.