Uchacz scores twice as Rebels dull visiting Blades

The Saskatoon Blades’ two-game swing into Alberta did not start well Friday.

Kai Uchacz had two goals and an assist as the host Red Deer Rebels dumped the Blades 5-1. Saskatoon is to face the hometown Calgary Hitmen on Saturday afternoon.

After the two-game trip, the Blades head into Manitoba to face the Brandon Wheat Kings on Tuesday and the Winnipeg Ice on Wednesday.

In Red Deer, Kalan Lind, Dwayne Jean Jr. and Ben King also scored for the Rebels, who got three assists from Frantisek Formanek.

Saskatoon’s Egor Sidorov spoiled Kyle Kelsey’s shutout bid at 13:34 of the third period.

Kelsey made 34 saves as Red Deer (32-9-1-3) won for the sixth time in its past seven games.

Ethan Chadwick started in goal for the Blades and stopped 16 of 20 shots before being replaced by Austin Elliott at 14:22 of the second period. Elliott made six saves the rest of the way.

Saskatoon fell to 2-5-1 in its past eight games and now has a 28-11-3-1 record.