RED DEER – They didn’t need it.
They just wanted it.
The Red Deer Rebels had already secured a spot in Friday’s Memorial Cup semifinal before overtime even started.
But they took the opportunity to send the rival Brandon Wheat Kings home when Evan Polei scored at 3:50 of sudden death to give the Rebels a 2-1 victory.
The Rebels (2-1) will take on the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (1-2) in Friday’s semi (6 p.m., Sportsnet West, 106.7 FM The Drive) while the Wheaties head home winless.
The Wheat Kings had eliminated the Rebels from the WHL playoffs a month ago and members of the Memorial Cup hosts admitted it would feel extra-sweet to end Brandon’s season.