Story Coming In:
Fort McMurray is now riding a six game point streak, after a weekend sweep of the Devon Xtreme. Ryan Arnold continues his impressive play, pushing his point streak to 22 games. Justin Dumais was the first Oil Baron to pass 50 points on the season, after putting up five against the Xtreme. Meanwhile, Nathan Claydon earned his first win in a Barons uniform. Special teams was a strength for the MOB this past weekend. The power-play went 3-for-9 against Devon, while the penalty kill was a perfect 12-for-12. The victories also ensure that Fort McMurray keeps pace with Whitecourt for first overall in the AJHL. Only three points separate the northern foes, however, the Oil Barons have played the most games in the North Division.
View From Grande Prairie:
The Storm split their two games coming back from the Christmas break. An overtime 3-2 win over Bonnyville saw Grande Prairie earn some separation for the final playoff spot. However, they couldn’t gain any ground on the Bobcats, after losing in Lloydminster 5-4. One thing that stands out about the Storm is their ability to be sound defensively. They average the fourth fewest goals against, while starting goaltender Leland Gill has the second best goals against average and the most shutouts in the league. Grande Prairie has shown they can be a force to reckon with. The Storm have the league’s longest winning streak at nine games, which was set just before the Christmas break.
Stats Leaders:
Goals: Arnold (23)
Assists: Dumais (34)
Points: Dumais (53)
PIM: Gidney (62)
Goalie: Gee 10-2-2-1, 2.68 GAA, .923 SV%, 1SO
