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ASSINIBOIA – Fort Knox came knocking at the Â鶹´«Ã½AVland Co-op Centre on Dec. 16, and this was one match up that should have been a win for the local Richardson Pioneer Â鶹´«Ã½AVern Rebels. The boys were just on fire that night, and it wasn’t for lack of effort. The Rebels were working - and in many cases, outworking - the visiting Fort Knox crew. But alas, that’s how the cookie crumbles.

The Rebels hit the scoreboard first with a goal courtesy Trae DeDecker from Larry Flett. Fort Knox chipped in a couple goals of their own to take the lead, but Rebel Jordan Johnson (from Matt Mohart and Flett) evened the score, ending the first frame 2-2.

Second period action started off strong with a beautiful solo goal from Rhett Franklin, regaining the lead for the Rebels. Unfortunately, Fort Knox found their stride with two more lamp lighters, rounding out the middle frame with the 4-3 lead. Penalties plagued this middle frame with the Rebels warming the seats in the sin bin. At one point, the gents found themselves facing a five on three situation, but even with Fort Knox having the extra man advantage, the Rebels did hold their own fairly well.

The visitors would add a point to that lead early in the third, but the Rebels were determined to prove themselves. Jayden Lupuliak (from Logan Fontaine) narrowed the gap, and Brandon Verhelst (from Lupuliak) tied things up again, now 5-5 as time ticked away.

A quick goal from Fort Knox with just over six minutes left in the game would go unanswered, despite best attempts. Not the outcome the Rebels wanted, but it was an exciting game they have nothing to be ashamed about. Yes, Friday night was one of those cases where fans bought the whole seat, but only used the edge.

The Rebels are heading into the Christmas break with a 1-24 record, and the first game of the new year has them on the road to Fort Qu’Appelle to visit Fort Knox with renewed vigour.