SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels will look to gain ground in the East Division standings as they prepare for a home-and-home series against the division-leading Maryland Black Bears this weekend.
Philadelphia enters the matchup with a record of 18-22-8-6 (44 points), currently sitting eighth in the East Division as the regular season moves into its final stretch. The Rebels remain within striking distance of the playoff race with several crucial games remaining.
The series begins Friday night in Maryland with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. before shifting back to Hollydell Ice Arena on Saturday night for the second half of the home-and-home. Saturday’s contest will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the Rebels debuting their special St. Patrick’s Day jerseys in front of the home crowd.
Maryland has separated itself from the rest of the division. The Black Bears sit atop the East with a 39-5-4-1 record and 82 points while riding a seven-game winning streak. Behind Maryland is Rochester with 67 points, followed by Maine (61 points), Northeast (56 points), and New Jersey (55 points). Danbury currently sits sixth with 54 points, while Johnstown holds seventh place with 48 points.
Philadelphia has leaned on several key offensive contributors throughout the season. Forward Jordan Brothers leads the Rebels with 30 points in 48 games and continues to pace the team offensively. Abzal Alibek ranks among the team leaders with 25 points, while Billy Sheridan has added 22 points in 35 games.
The Rebels have also received important contributions from Brayton Frick, who has recorded 11 goals this season, and Dylan Moran, who has nine goals since joining the team midseason.
Playmaking has been driven by Thomas Klochkov, who has recorded eight points in eight games since being acquired in January. On the blue line, defensemen Joe Stauber, Mikey Conlon and Luke Janviriya have provided steady minutes while contributing offensively.
In goal, Ilja Nikitins has been a key piece for the Rebels. The netminder owns a 12-13 record with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 31 appearances this season.
Maryland enters the matchup boasting one of the most potent offenses in the league. Forward Harrison Smith leads the NAHL with 81 points and continues to drive the Black Bears’ attack. Tanner Duncan has added 65 points, while Ryan Franks has scored 24 goals and recorded 47 points. Jaden Sikura has also been a major contributor with 23 goals and 40 points.
Between the pipes, Maryland has relied on goaltender Ryan Denes, who owns an impressive 23-2 record with a 1.94 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
With the postseason race tightening across the division, the Rebels will look to slow down Maryland’s high-powered offense and capitalize on their opportunities during the two-game weekend series.