Facing a tough matchup
The Rebels will be playing their only game this weekend against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights on Saturday night at the IceWorks Skating Complex. It will be the Rebels fourth straight game against the Knights. Last weekend the Knights took two of three from the Rebels. Despite being in first place and 14 points ahead of the Knights, the Rebels have a losing record against them (5-6) on the season; having only won one game (10-2) in their last five tries.
Who’s hot for the Rebels
The Rebels are lead by Kennett Square, PA native Michael Merulla with 36 points. Last weekend Merulla had four goals and four assists, including a hat trick. He is tied with Dean Balsamo for most goals on the team with 17. Kristofers Bindulis, who also had a hat trick last weekend against the Knights, has 32 total points but leads the team with 25 assists. Defenseman Ryan Solomon leads the team with a +18 +/- ratio. Trevor Micucci was between the pipes for two of the games last weekend possessing a 2.00 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
Knights to Watch
The Knights are led by Jacob Hamacher (33 points), Blake Busch (29 points) and Braden Brown (23 points). Last weekend, the Knights were lead by Hamacher (6 assists), Busch (2 goals and 3 assists) and Brown (2 goals and 2 assists). Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s goaltending tandem of Andrey Svistunov and Grant Valentine each picked up a win last weekend and split time during Saturday night’s blow out loss. The Knights will be playing away against the New Jersey Titans on Thursday night (make up from a previously postponed game), home against the Johnstown Tomahawks and away against the Rebels on Saturday night.
Individual Awards and “The Animal”
Four Rebels received league recognition this week. Merulla was player of the week for week ending January 31, and he was named honorable mentioned for forward of the month for January. Bindulis was named honorable mentioned for player of the week. Brennan Kapcheck was named runner up for defenseman of the month for January while Hanson was named honorable mention for goalie of the month for January.
The Rebels will be honoring former Philadelphia Phantoms Hall of Famer and legend Frank “The Animal” Bialowas on Saturday night. All fans wearing Phantoms apparel can purchase a ticket for $5.
