A Look at the Kenai Brown Bears
This weekend the Kenai Brown Bears will be in town all the way from Alaska. The Rebels will play the Brown Bears this Friday and Saturday night, both at home. Currently, the Brown Bears sit at last in the entire NAHL with only 1 win in 28 games. Last weekend, the Rebels took the Eastern Division first place New Jersey Titans to overtime – proving that they do not simply go down without a fight, despite what their record may show. The Brown Bears may have not tasted victory in 25 games, but the Rebels will still need to bring their A-game to make sure they take 4 points from them.
Closing the weekend against the Knights
After a Friday/Saturday series with the Brown Bears, the Rebels will have to stay sharp, as the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights will be in town Sunday for a 5pm tilt. Last weekend, the Knights held a weekend series against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs – who hold 2nd place overall in the NAHL. The Knights played the Ice Dogs extremely strong, splitting the weekend series. Carson Knopp has been heating up, and he found plenty of success last weekend against the high caliber Ice Dogs last weekend. Knopp came out of the weekend with 2 goals and 1 assist and will be looking to continue his scoring way in Aston this Sunday. The Rebels will surely be looking to shut him down.
Who’s Hot for the Rebels?
This past week Michael Merulla was named a star of the week in the Eastern Division. Merulla has been playing extremely well for the Rebels since joining the team in October. He currently has 18 points in 16 games and netted a natural hat trick this past weekend. Look for Merulla to build on his momentum against the last place Kenai Brown Bears this weekend. Ryan Cusin will also be looking to add to his point total this weekend. Cusin had a 3-point weekend last weekend against Johnstown, and has 18 points in 16 games as well.
Reaching for First
After last week’s weekend sweep of Johnstown, the Rebels now find themselves just 6 points out of first place in the East with 2 games in hand on the New Jersey Titans. The Rebels can really gain some ground this weekend and tie the Titans for first if they can win all 3 games.
Teddy Bear Toss Night
On Sunday, December 20 the Rebels will be having their first Teddy Bear Toss night. If fans bring a new or used teddy bear, they will receive a ticket for $6. When the Rebels score their first goal of the game fans are invited to throw the bears onto the ice. Teddy Bears will be donated to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County and Toys for Tots in memory of Aston Township resident Scott Jones.
