No matter which way you look at it, it was a win for the Red Deer Rebels Wednesday night.

Gearing up for the beginning of the preseason, the Rebels played their annual Black and White game with team Black coming out on top 6-5 in overtime.

Rebels forward Mason McCarty played hero, scoring in the extra frame and said the competition level was where he thought it would be.

“It got physical. Sometimes they would score and right after we would answer back with a goal with guys picking up each other on the bench. There was a lot of communication and when you have that comradery it makes things a lot easier.”

After working on systems in the morning, Head Coach and GM Brent Sutter said the kids didn’t disappoint come game time.

“You get to see who implements it and who understands it and gets it. There wasn’t one young kid who doesn’t and I think the veterans handled it well too.”

Rebels now look forward to Friday when they host their preseason tournament involving Calgary, Edmonton and Prince George.

First up for the Rebels, are the Hitmen Friday night at 7 p.m.