Story Coming In:
Fort McMurray has lost five of their last six games, including a sobering 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Devon Xtreme. The Oil Barons have seen depth scoring dry up lately, while the team has given up three or more goals in six of their last eight games. There have been some bright spots for the MOB. Ryan Arnold and Justin Dumais continue to pace the offence, sitting fourth and fifth in the AJHL in points. Dustin Good is a needed addition to the offence to replace Jaxen Gauchier. Good so far has three points in three games. Ethan Makokis appears to be this season’s version of Shawn Eliav, while Brendan Gee has emerged as a true number one goaltender. However, Fort McMurray is looking for more out of their veteran group, as they try to regain their identity that made them successful through October.
View From Bonnyville:
The Pontiacs have been one of the hottest teams in the AJHL. It all starts with their top line of Maxwell Pendy, Christophe Lussier and Gavin Harrison. Pendy leads all players in points with 48 in 23 games, including 32 in his last 12 contests. Lussier is third in the AJHL in points, already eclipsing his totals from last season. Harrison leads all rookies in points, while receiving a brief call up to the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos two weeks ago. Throw in Ben Costantino and Maxim Shushov who are over a point a game as defenders, a power-play unit that is third in the league at 25.8%, and it’s no wonder that Bonnyville averages four goals a game. The biggest question mark for the Pontiacs is their defence, which is seventh in the league, giving up 3.61 goals per game.
Stats Leaders:
Goals: Arnold (17)
Assists: Dumais (23)
Points: Dumais (33)
PIM: Gidney (58)
Goalie: Gee 3-2-2-1, 2.59 GAA, .922 SV%, 1SO
