Story Coming In:
Fort McMurray is back on track with a pair of emotional wins over the Olds Grizzlys. The Oil Barons depth was on full display with seven different goal scorers. Goaltenders Brendan Gee and Nathan Claydon were also brilliant in their victories. Defensively, it was one of the best weekends for the Oil Barons, who held Olds to three goals on 59 shots. The penalty kill also went a perfect 7-for-7, while Ryan Arnold scored a rare 5-on-3 shorthanded goal. With the two wins, Fort McMurray improved their record against the South Division to 11-3-4. The MOB currently have a six game point streak against the South, and points in nine straight away from Centerfire Place against their cross division teams. With the Oil Barons sitting in second overall with both Lloydminster and Grande Prairie breathing down their necks, each win becomes crucial for Sam Klassen’s bunch.
View From Calgary:
It’s been an up and down stretch for the Canucks lately. Calgary earned a convincing win over Drayton Valley to establish themselves firmly in a playoff position, but the Thunder has been the only team the Canucks have been able to beat since the Christmas break. The two biggest concerns for Calgary are the injuries and their play away from the Ken Bracko Arena. Down are the likes of captain Riley Bracko, Callum McSherry, Adam M’Hamed, Dylan Woulds and Logan Murray. The Canucks also lost eight straight away from home, the longest road losing skid in the league. Calgary do have a couple of intriguing additions to their roster. Defender Malachi Freh brings 122 games of BCHL experience to the lineup, while Dimitri Fortin solidifies the goaltending position, after parts of three seasons in the WHL. The Canucks also have one of the most lethal goal scorers in the AJHL, with Harper Lolacher tied for first with Jalen Bianchet at 32 markers.
Stats Leaders:
Goals: Arnold (25)
Assists: Dumais (40)
Points: Dumais (59)
PIM: Nordstrom (89)
Goalie: Gee 11-4-2-1, 2.85 GAA, .919 SV%, 1SO
