Story Coming In:
The Oil Barons are trying to snap a four game losing streak. Coming off a 3-2 loss to Bonnyville, Fort McMurray is in must win territory, as they try to lock up the final playoff spot in the North Division. Leo Adams has been finding the back of the net consistently the last couple of weeks. The Gander, Newfoundland product has four goals in his last six games while leading all rookies on the Oil Barons in points. Mason Finley has also been finding himself on the scoreboard on a regular basis. With seven points in his last six games, Finley has added much needed depth to Fort McMurray’s roster. The MOB are in need of their top players finding their game. During the losing streak; Danny Akkouche, Carter Schmidt and Ryan Arnold have combined for only eight points.
View From Whitecourt & Drayton Valley:
The top team in the North Division are coming off a slugfest against the Grande Prairie Storm. Coming off back to back shootouts against the Storm, the Wolverines stretched their point streak to six games. Whitecourt continues to be led by the phenomenal goaltending of Zac Onyskiw, while the offence is paced by Jalen Bianchet and Joey Vetrano at 40 points, and Dylan Ruptash has the most goals for the Wolverines at 20. With clinching a playoff spot, the Wolverines ensure they qualify for the postseason every year since they relocated from St Albert. Drayton Valley has been red hot, as they embark on a three game road trip through northeastern Alberta. Winners of four in a row, the Thunder nabbed back to back 9-3 victories over the Devon Xtreme, while also defeating the Calgary Canucks on Family Day. Captain Cooper Brown has been producing at a torrid rate with 11 points in his last four games, earning him the AJHL MVP of the Week. Michigan’s Luke Marley also was recognized by the league, getting the Rookie of the Week award, after putting up five points in his last two games. Despite their excellent play, Drayton Valley remains on the outside looking in, as they trail the Drumheller Dragons by eight points for the final playoff spot in the South.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Akkouche (16)
Assists: Akkouche (26)
Points: Akkouche (42)
PIM: Nordstrom (98)
Goalies: Filion: 18-17-2-1, 2.59 GAA, 0.917%
