Story Coming In:
Fort McMurray dropped two straight against the top two teams in the south division to open up their road trip. Both games the Oil Barons found themselves down 2-0 and 3-1, before making it a one goal game in the third period, then just falling short. The third and fourth lines have been leading the charge on offence, while Vincent Filion continues his MVP-like performance in between the pipes, while playing the most minutes out of any goaltender in the AJHL. To turn things around, the MOB need to play to their identity and have their star players step up their game. Fort McMurray also needs to get off to a faster start in games, as they have scored the first goal twice in their last eight contests.
View From Drumheller & Camrose:
The Dragons have been the hottest team in the AJHL. Winners of six in a row, Drumheller has scored four or more goals in each of those wins, while giving up more than one goal twice in those contests. The line of Bradley Gallo, Ellis Mieyette and Easton Daneault has been leading the charge for the Dragons. Gallo is on an eight game point streak, Daneault has eight points in his last five games, while Mieyette has points in six of his last eight contests. Goaltending has also been a strength for Drumheller, as Sean Cootes won his last five appearances, while also leading the AJHL with five shutouts. The Kodiaks have been up and down during the new year. After winning five straight out of the Christmas break, Camrose proceeded to drop six of their next eight games. They did win their last game against the Olds Grizzlys, but Camrose needed a herculean effort in the third period to hold off their opponent’s charge. The Kodiaks use a score by committee approach to defeat their opposition, while the duo of Carter Capton and Wilson Maxfield in net has given Camrose a chance to win each and every game.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Akkouche (16)
Assists: Akkouche (24)
Points: Akkouche (40)
PIM: Nordstrom (98)
Goalies: Filion: 18-15-2-1, 2.54 GAA, 0.919%
