SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels dropped the opening game of their weekend series against the Rochester Jr. Americans on Friday night, falling 4–1 at Hollydell Ice Arena.
Despite a solid effort from goaltender Ilja Nikitins, who stopped 29 of 33 shots, the Rebels were unable to recover after Rochester built an early lead and controlled much of the tempo.
The Jr. Americans opened the scoring midway through the first period when Corson Maguire capitalized on a rebound in front to make it 1–0. Rochester doubled its advantage in the second period as Adam Gionta scored shorthanded on a breakaway, beating Nikitins high to the glove side for a 2–0 lead. Gionta added his second of the night later in the frame to extend the margin to 3–0.
Philadelphia broke through late in the second when Billy Sheridan, playing in his first game of the season after missing time due to injury, buried a loose puck in front of the net to cut the deficit to 3–1. The goal provided a brief spark for the Rebels, but Rochester’s defense held strong in the third period, allowing just six shots on goal.
Back in the lineup and back on the board!
Billy Sheridan makes an instant impact in his season debut! pic.twitter.com/r2zAP5JVqs
— Philadelphia Rebels (@PhillyRebels) October 18, 2025
Ryan Shaw added an insurance goal late in regulation to seal the 4–1 victory for the Jr. Americans. Goaltender Jensen Carlstrom earned the win, stopping 21 of 22 shots.
Special teams continued to be a challenge for Philadelphia, which went 0-for-5 on the power play and is now 3-for-50 on the season. Rochester finished 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
With the loss, Philadelphia falls to 5–7–0–1, while Rochester improves to 6–6–0–0. The two teams will meet again Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hollydell Ice Arena as the Rebels look to bounce back and even the series.