Wings fall to Rebels in Robertson Cup opener

The Wings scored twice in its opening game of the Robertson Cup semis, both goals coming in a span of 3:15, but it wasn’t enough to get by the Aston Rebels who grabbed control of the Best-of-Three Semi-final series Thursday (May 11, 2017).

All four teams at the Robertson Cup event, taking past at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Center in Duluth, MN are respective Division champs from North American Hockey League playoffs. While the Wings captured series wins against both Minot Minotauros and Minnesota Wilderness to capture the Central Division title, the Aston Rebels won two rounds as well to claim the East Division title.

Meanwhile Midwest Division champion Janesville Jets and South Division champ, Lone Star Brahmas are also meeting in a Best-of-Three series with the two semi-finals winners to meet in a one-game winner take all Robertson Cup Championship game.

Wings 2 vs. Rebels 4

The Rebels scored twice in the opening period, Carter Wooley opening the scoring with 5:57 to play and Gianluca Esteves adding another 3:30 later.

Another goal by Dom Garcia had the Rebels up 3-0 before Colton Fletcher triggered the first Wings goal with 3:16 to go in the middle period and Kevin Fitzgerald made it a one-goal game with one second to play in the period.

The Rebels carried this one to the finish line, an empty-netter by Drew Blackmun wrapping up the scoring for the Rebels.

Mareks Mitens turned aside 30 shots to pick up the win in goal for the Rebels while Forbes Ploszaj made 20 saves for the Wings.

The same two teams will square off on Friday (May 12), Aston looking to wrap up its Best of Three series with a quick entry into the Robertson Cup championship.