SIX NATIONS — The 2018 Six Nations Rebels season is now open and if Friday night’s matchup with the visiting Hamilton Bengals is any indication of things to come, this year’s entry will see a young and fast team as they regroup for another run at the Founders Cup.
The Rebels put up win number one with an 11-8 decision over the Bengals Friday night at the ILA in front of a large season opening crowd.
Gates Abrams scored three for the Rebels and AP standout Jayden Smith scored two in his inaugural Jr. B debut.
There were several associate players on loan from the Six Nations minor lacrosse system and they showed well as did the main squad. Sophomore head coach Miles General is still looking at a few more potential players to add to the roster. In hefirst game of the season, there were a few flashes of brilliance but for the most part it was a methodical game where the lead traded hands a number of times but the Rebels, new and veterans, worked hard and went through a few one-on-one battles to kept the Bengals from making a comeback.
Hamilton scored first at 3:07 but Wes Whitlow and Abrams answered by the halfway point in the period. Rookie Mason Hill scored from Chayton King at the 13 minute mark and Abrams scored his second of the period at 14:19 from Kahn General and Daylen Hill to close the first period with the Rebels leading 4-2.
Gaven Skye pushed that score to 5-2 early in the second, unassisted which was followed shortly thereafter by Chayton King on a powerplay for a 7-2 lead by the 5:17 minute of the second.
The Bengals roared back with back-to-back powerplay goals scored by Hunter Angus and Ty Argent. Jayden Smith closed the period’s scoring with the Rebels still leading 7-4.
Abrams made his heavyweight debut of 2018 in the third, but couldn’t find anyone to fight back. He was assessed a fighting major, a fighting misconduct, and an instigator major, all at 16:09, then added a fighting game misconduct at 19:28.
It was easy to tell that both clubs were nervous and anxious to prove their worth to the respective teams, many fighting for a permanent spot in the roster.
While all the extra curricular activities were going on in the third, the Bengals and Rebels traded four goals each throughout the entire period. Rebels third period goals came from the stick of Justin Martin, Abrams, King, and Smith for the 11-8 win.
CUTLINES 3 pics
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Last year it was Layne Smith that was lighting it up for the Miles General’s Six Nations Jr. B Rebels. Early indications might suggest that Gates Abrams will fill that role for this year’s push for the Sutherland Cup. He scored three goals in the home opener, Friday night. Photo by Jim Windle
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Rookie Rebels Bo Peltier shows some exciting potential for the anticipated 2018 Rebels. He represents a whole new generation of top-level lacrosse talent. The Rebs opened the season with an 11-8 win over the Hamilton Bengals. Photo by Jim Windle
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The 2018 Six Nations Rebels debuted Friday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena with an 11-8 win over the Hamilton Bengals. Photo by Jim Windle
