SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels return home this weekend to host the Northeast Generals in a pivotal two-game series, as both teams look to gain ground in a tightly contested East Division. This marks the first meeting of the season between the clubs.
Philadelphia enters the series 11-13-1-3 (26 points) following a 3-0 loss to the Maryland Black Bears on Tuesday. The Rebels remain without several of their top players, though forward Alex Lunski is expected to return to the lineup. With multiple key contributors sidelined, secondary scoring becomes more important. Jordan Brothers, Brayton Frick and Billy Sheridan are expected to take on larger roles, while recently acquired forward Dylan Moran continues to impress with four points in five games since arriving from Anchorage.
In net, the Rebels continue to be anchored by Ilja Nikitins, the reigning NAHL East Division Second Star. Nikitins has been one of the most consistent goaltenders in the division, posting a 2.59 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage across 15 appearances. Ben Varsa rounds out the tandem with a 3.02 GAA and .908 save percentage, providing steady performances when called upon.
Northeast enters the weekend 13-10-2-1 (29 points), sitting in the middle of the East Division. The Generals rely heavily on their top offensive trio of Braydon Hudtloff, Kody Moyer and Alec Hall — each with at least 18 points — while depth scoring has been more limited. Hudtloff has been the focal point of the attack, scoring in bunches and driving the team’s transition game.
Defensively, the Generals have struggled to keep the puck out of their net, allowing more than three goals per game. Their goaltending rotation of Will Mizenko and Keagin Wilson has shown flashes, though consistency remains an issue.
Special teams could play a decisive role. Northeast holds the league’s 10th-ranked power play at 25 percent, while Philadelphia’s penalty kill sits at 77.9 percent. The Rebels will need discipline and improved execution shorthanded to avoid giving the Generals’ top shooters extended opportunities.
With both teams looking to climb the standings, this weekend’s series provides an opportunity to reset the tone heading into the second half of the season.
Puck drop is scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Hollydell Ice Arena.