The Wetaskiwin Icemen opened their 2026 exhibition season with a dramatic 6-3 comeback win over the Red Deer Vipers on September 4 at Wetaskiwin Arena.
After falling behind 3-0 midway through the second period, the Icemen scored three goals before the end of the frame to tie the game 3-3, then added three more in the third to complete a six-goal rally and start their season on a winning note. Forward Carter Markham led the way with four points, including a goal and three assists, netting the Icemen’s opener and assisting on the game-tying power-play goal by Brody O’Connell in the second period.
Berkley Gross also contributed a goal and an assist for the Icemen. The team’s special teams were sharp all night, converting one of five power plays and killing off all four Red Deer penalties.
The Icemen are coming off an undefeated championship run at the 2026 Central Canada Cup in Saskatoon and will look to build on that momentum as they prepare for the regular season in the Capital Junior Hockey League.
Fans can catch the Icemen’s next home game on September 13 at 6:00 PM against the Sylvan Lake Wranglers at Wetaskiwin Arena.