For the fourth straight playoff series over the last four years, the Saskatoon Blades have fallen behind 1-0 after dropping a 3-1 decision to the Red Deer Rebels Friday night at SaskTel Centre.

The Bridge City Bunch started tentatively in front of 6,823 fans and surrendered the first goal early in the second period. That allowed Red Deer to defend vigorously between the face-off dots and squeeze the Blue and Gold’s scoring chances almost dry. Rebels’ goaltender Kyle Kelsey lost his shutout bid with 1:52 remaining in the third period when Jake Chiasson buried a rebound while the Blades played with an extra attacker and goaltender Austin Elliott on the bench. Jhett Larson, Jace Isley and Christoffer Sedoff tallied for Red Deer, who had lost both of their regular-season visits to Saskatoon, The Bridge City Bunch will look to gain a split of their home games on Sunday at 4 o’clock. CJWW’s broadcast begins at 3:45. Following is the official game summary courtesy the W-H-L plus audio highlights from CJWW’s broadcast and Post-Game Show comments from head coach Brennan Sonne and defenceman Charlie Wright…..

Red Deer Rebels 3 at Saskatoon Blades 1 – Status: Final
Friday, April 14, 2023 – SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, SK

Red Deer 0 1 2 – 3
Saskatoon 0 0 1 – 1

1st Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Saunderson Sas (high sticking), 8:33; Ollie Josephson Rd (tripping), 12:59.

2nd Period-1, Red Deer, Larson 2 (Sedoff, Grubbe), 4:28. Penalties-Armstrong Rd (charging), 10:54; Lies Sas (high sticking), 14:27.

3rd Period-2, Red Deer, Isley 1   14:19. 3, Saskatoon, Chiasson 3 (Sidorov, De La Gorgendiere), 18:08. 4, Red Deer, Sedoff 3   19:56 (EN). Penalties-Jean Jr. Rd (holding), 9:02; served by Wiens Sas (too many men), 14:58.

Shots on Goal-Red Deer 7-7-6-20. Saskatoon 5-8-11-24.
Power Play Opportunities-Red Deer 0 / 3; Saskatoon 0 / 3.
Goalies-Red Deer, Kelsey (24 shots-23 saves). Saskatoon, Elliott (19 shots-17 saves).
A-6,823
Referees-Mike Langin (67), Brayden Arcand (71).
Linesmen-Levi Schutz (110), Devan Thiessen (94).