It is not how you start but how you finish. This old but true proverb was applicable to the way the Rebels started their 2015-16 inaugural season. After being in the hole 2-0, the Rebels roared back to win the season opener by defeating the New Jersey Titans 3-2 at Middletown’s Ice World in Middletown, New Jersey.
The Titans got on the board first at the 5:40 mark of the first period as Keegan Miller beat Rebels goalie Trevor Micucci with a long side shot. Almost two minutes later the Titans Andrew Durham converted on a Rebels turnover to put the Titans up by two.
The Rebels cut their deficit in half at the 8:04 mark of the first period with a power play goal scored by Andrew Zerban who was set up with nice hustle from Chris Deprez and Captain Austin Swingle. Forty Four seconds later the Rebels tied the game when Connor Jean set up Gvido Jansons.
The Rebels went a head for good in the second period when Drew Blackmun scored on a beautiful pass from Tobias Kircher at 11:19 of the middle period.
The team opened the third period on a five on three penalty kill but played the triangle and box to perfection. At the 17:38 mark of the final period Micucci made a spectacular 10 bell save to preserve the lead. Micucci had 22 saves on 24 shots.
The team now heads to Blaine, Minnesota to play four games at the 13th annual NAHL Showcase. Click here for the box score.
