Red Deer 4 Swift Current 1

SWIFT CURRENT — The Red Deer Rebels are still perfect. In a battle of the Western Hockey League’s only undefeated teams, the Rebels topped the Swift Current Broncos 4-1 Friday before 2,089 fans at the Civic Centre.

The visitors snapped a 1-1 tie with a pair of unanswered second-period goals from Jeff Smith and Kyle Wanvig, then got some insurance in the final frame when Doug Lynch connected.

Smith and Lynch scored on the power play.

"We took six minor penalties in the first period, but played a smart game the rest of the way," said Rebels GM/coach Brent Sutter.

"In the second period we just played our game and started to control the play. We used our speed and that was the big difference."

The Rebels, whose first-period goal was scored by Andrew Bergen, fired 34 shots at Swift Current netminder Tyson Motz, while Rebels goalie Shane Bendera faced only 20 shots.

Rookie Ian White notched the Broncos’ lone goal, a power-play marker in the opening frame.

The win improved Red Deer's record to 5-0, but Sutter insisted the club is staying on an even keel.

"This trip will give us a better indication of where our team is at, and although tonight's win was big, none of the guys are getting ahead of themselves," he said.

"This was only game five in a 72-game season."

Sutter credited Bendera for turning in a solid performance, and also praised Bergen and linemate Justin Wallin.

"Bergen and Wallin were outstanding," said the Rebels boss. "Swift Current couldn't handle their speed."

Ross Lupaschuk picked up three assists, while Wallin added a pair of helpers. Justin Mapletoft collected his 16th and 17th points (3-14) of the season with an assist on Wanvig’s goal.

"I thought everyone played well," said Sutter. "It was a good, solid team win. The guys were strong with and without the puck and created a lot of offence."

The Rebels continue their five-game East Division jaunt tonight in Saskatoon, then play in Brandon Monday afternoon. Red Deer plays in Moose Jaw Wednesday and in Prince Albert two nights later.

The Rebels' next home game is Oct. 20 against the Kootenay Ice.