The MOB Hockey squad stormed out of the gates and weathered a furious late comeback to secure a 7-5 victory over the Rebels Hockey Academy in a penalty-filled, high-octane affair. The first period was a deluge of offense, with MOB seizing control early. Ryker Philpott opened the scoring just 39 seconds in, setting the tone for a period where MOB would net five goals. Philpott completed a first-period hat trick, while teammates Luke Snow and Jabriel Sharma also found the back of the net. The Rebels' lone response in the opening frame came on the power play from Kobe Chalifoux, but they found themselves in a deep 5-1 hole after being outshot 15-10.
The Rebels began their long climb back in the second period, tightening up defensively and cutting into the lead. Maxwell Menzies scored an even-strength goal, assisted by Cole Stewart, to make it 5-2. The middle frame was marred by a parade to the penalty box, with both teams combining for six minors, disrupting any sustained rhythm. Entering the third period down by three, the Rebels mounted a thrilling charge. Kash Dreger scored on the power play early, and Dax Heaton followed up just over two minutes later to bring the Rebels within a single goal, sending a jolt of energy through the home bench.
Just as the comeback seemed imminent, MOB's Ryker Philpott delivered the dagger. With his team shorthanded, Philpott netted his fourth goal of the game—the shorthanded game-winner—assisted by goalie Koston Hulan, to restore a two-goal cushion for MOB. The Rebels' Cash Pederson answered quickly on the ensuing power play to keep the pressure on, but the comeback ultimately fell short. A late charging major against MOB's Philpott gave the Rebels a lengthy power play, but they could not capitalize before Mason Macdonnell sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute. MOB goalie Koston Hulan earned the win, while the Rebels' Ryder Sandboe faced a barrage of 39 shots in the losing effort.
