SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels return to Hollydell Ice Arena this weekend to host the Elmira Aviators in a key showdown. This weekend marks the third and fourth contests between the two East Division foes, following the Rebels’ sweep of their early October series.
Philadelphia (14-17-8-6) sits seventh in the division with 36 points. Elmira (13-17-7-2), ninth in the standings with 33 points, enters the series searching for consistency after a slow start to the season.
Despite their struggles, the Aviators have shown flashes of offensive talent, led by Matt Maglio (32 points) and Jack Kohlmann (28 points). Evan Dantas (27 points) and Max Campbell (21 points) round out Elmira’s top-four scorers, giving the Aviators multiple threats to test Philadelphia’s defense.
Alex Lunski leads Philadelphia with 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists), while Jordan Brothers has added 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists). Abzal Alibek has been productive of late, recording six points over his last four games, and Dylan Moran has also found his scoring touch, netting three goals during that same stretch.
The Rebels will also add a new face to their lineup, as forward Thomas Klochkov is expected to make his Rebels debut after being acquired in a trade. Klochkov recorded two goals and 16 assists for 18 points in 28 games with the Northeast Generals this season.
Special teams could play a deciding role in this matchup. Philadelphia’s power play has been producing as of late, with power-play goals in both contests last weekend, while its penalty kill is 17th at 78.9%. Elmira sits 23rd on the power play at 20% but 19th on the penalty kill at 77.9%. With both teams capable of capitalizing on mistakes, disciplined play and opportunistic scoring on the man advantage could swing momentum in tight moments.
Philadelphia will rely on a tandem in net with Ilja Nikitins, who boasts a 2.322 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, and Ben Varsa, who has also been solid between the pipes. Elmira counters with Aiden McKenna (2.980 GAA, .917 SV%) and Vladimir Pechenin.
Puck drop on Friday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., followed by Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live on NATV.