Fort McMurray dropped a narrow Game 1 in the AJHL North Division Semi-Finals, 3-2 at the hands of the Whitecourt Wolverines. Danny Akkouche had a goal and assist, Justin Dumais had a pair of helpers, while Vincent Filion turned aside 26 shots in the loss.
Whitecourt opened the scoring late in the first period. Jalen Bianchet forced a turnover behind the Oil Barons net and found a wide open Xavier Lacoste, who snapped a shot short side on Filion. The MOB equalized early in the second period. After Spencer Kunz hit the post, the Oil Barons outworked the Wolverines, and Akkouche unleashed a shot from the slot to tie the game at 1-1. About 90 seconds later, Whitecourt restored their lead. Fort McMurray was unable to clear their zone, and Ty Rayan picked out an uncontested Jack Pollock, who lifted the shot past Filion to make it 2-1. Bianchet gave the Wolverines some insurance before the end of the second. After Filion got his blocker on a Joey Vetrano shot, launching the puck straight up in the air. Bianchet knocked it past Filion to make it 3-1 Whitecourt. The Oil Barons pushed back in the third period. While on a power-play, Akkouche spotted a wide open Cade Petersen, who made no mistake beating a down and out Zac Onyskiw. Fort McMurray continued to push for a game tying goal, but they couldn’t solve the Wolverines, who captured a series lead.
Game 2 at JDA Place takes place tomorrow, as the Oil Barons look to earn a series split. Puck drop is at 7pm.
