Hitmen stung by Rebels in overtime

RED DEER 6, CALGARY 5( OT)

The Calgary Hitmen blew a two-goal lead in the third period and went on to lose 6-5 in overtime to the Red Deer Rebels in Western Hockey League action before 5,460 fans at the Scotiabank Saddledome Sunday.

A pair of goals by Reese Johnson at 15:42 and 18:31 of the final period wiped out a 5-3 Calgary lead and set the stage for the Rebels to complete the comeback with an overtime goal by Oleg Zaytsev at 31 seconds, improving the Rebels to 3-2 on the season.

Jeff DeWit added a pair of goals for the winners against Hitmen goaltender Carl Stankowski, who made 24 saves on the night. Brandon Hagel had a goal and three assists for the Rebels.

Mark Kastelic scored twice for the winless Hitmen, who are now 0-3-1 with the overtime loss. Josh Prokop, Carson Focht and Zach Huber had the other markers against Ethan Anders who made 44 saves in the Rebels’ goal.

Next up for the Hitmen are the Saskatoon Blades who come to town Friday for a game beginning at 7 p.m.