Rebels Start Quick, But Fall To Novas

Feb 1, 2012

Dwight Cadwell-NSO

The Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels started fast Saturday afternoon by jumping out to a 3-1 lead after one period; but were unable to hold the lead as penalties ended up plaguing the Rebels in the second and third periods and the Minneapolis Novas came from behind to down the Rebels by a score of 7-4 Saturday afternoon at Moose Lake Ice Arena.

The Rebels, who only managed five shots on net in the first period, scored three times as the Rebels took a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period. The Rebels got on the scoreboard first Saturday as at the 4:02 mark of the first period Josh Cisar scored his first of two goals in the period with assists going to Spencer Clough and Tyler Cisar.

The Novas tied the score five minutes later at 1-1. At the 12:02 mark of the first period Tyler Cisar scored to give the Rebels a 2-1 lead, his goal was assisted by Clough and Teddy Ryan. Just 21 seconds later the Rebels went up 3-1 as Josh Cisar notched his second goal of the period, assisting on the goal was Jesse Granfors.

The Novas, who found themselves trailing 3-1 after the first period despite out shooting the Rebels 16-5 in the first period, would capitalize on the Rebels misfortunes. The Novas scored four second period goals, including three of the goals which were scored on the power play. The second period also saw the Novas outshoot the Rebels and the four goals put the Novas in front to stay with a 5-3 lead after two periods.

The Novas made it 6-3 early in the fourth period before the Rebels scored their final goal of the game when at the 10:23 mark, Spencer Clough scored to cut the lead to 6-4. Assisting on the Clough goal was Tyler Cisar and Michael Gassert. The Novas added an empty net goal to make the final score 7-4. The Novas outshot the Rebels 41-21 on Saturday as the Novas avenged a loss earlier this season to the Rebels.

With the loss Saturday the Rebels fall to 9-14 overall on the season and they will close out their regular season next week. On Tuesday they host Legacy Christian and the Rebels will close the season out at home Thursday night against Two Harbors.

The Novas improve to 14-5 on the season and they will finish up their regular season schedule next week as they will have three games against Becker-Big Lake, St. Louis Park, and Bloomington Kennedy next Saturday.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at dwight@northlandsportsonline.com