Red Deer Rebels find themselves up 2-games-to-1, after winning Game 3 of their first-round matchup against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

After splitting games on the road, the Rebels beat the Canes on home-ice 4-3 in double overtime.

Rebels forward and Wetaskiwin native Evan Polei played hero scoring just 48 seconds into the second extra frame.

“It was a blur. I just got the puck and I thought I could make a move on the d-man and it just made a nice bounce off his stick and I put it upstairs,” said Polei.

The team isn’t used to playing five-period games and although they were tired, Polei said it was important to keep the tempo up.

“The boys in the room were getting a little tired, but we battled it out and got the win.”

Polei gave credit to the Hurricanes, who also played a strong game, and said he expects a tough series.

“It was a hard-fought game for both teams. Lethbridge is a very strong team and they work hard every single night and it’s going to be a challenge for us to get by this team. We just need to keep working hard.”

Rebels were down 3-1 with just over three minutes left in the game when Brandon Hagel cut the deficit to 3-2 with a power play goal.

With just 19 seconds left in the third Lane Zablocki completed the comeback tying it at three goals apiece.

“You get into overtime and anything can happen. Both teams had chances in that first overtime period. Obviously, it happened quickly and we’ll certainly take the victory,” said Brent Sutter, Rebels Head Coach and GM.

Rebels are right back it Thursday night when they host Game 4. Puck drop is 7 p.m.