The Oil Barons season came to a heartbreaking close, as they were eliminated by the Whitecourt Wolverines in overtime, 2-1. Justin Dumais had the lone goal for the MOB, while Vincent Filion had a terrific effort, turning aside 36 shots in the loss.
Filion’s brilliance was on full display in the first period. Early on, the 21-year-old made a diving glove stop on Ewan McPherson, then added two stellar pad saves in the final minute to keep the game scoreless. A little more than halfway through the second period, Whitecourt opened the scoring. A shot from Jalen Bianchet was turned aside by Filion, then the rebound went right to Timothy Kim, who stuffed home the second opportunity. The Oil Barons would get their lone goal early in the third period. While on the power-play, Shawn Eliav set up Justin Dumais for a one-timer that screamed past Zac Onyskiw, tying the game at 1-1. Both teams had chances to end it in regulation, by Filion and Onyskiw continued to hold serve. Overtime lasted less than four minutes. Whitecourt caught the Oil Barons on a line change, with McPherson leading the charge. The veteran forward set up Bianchet, who snapped the puck past Filion, winning the series in five games.
With the loss, the Oil Barons season comes to a close. Eight players graduate junior hockey: forwards Carter Schmidt, Danny Akkouche, Mason Finley and Charles-Olivier Villeneuve, defenders Shawn Eliav, Tristan Taylor and Alexis Beaulac, as well as goaltender Vincent Filion. Thank you fans, sponsors and families who supported us the entire season. We will see you for the 2025/26 season.
