Story Coming In:
The Oil Barons stumbled into the holiday break. The MOB dropped three straight contests, giving up four or more goals in each game. Trying to get back on track, Fort McMurray will look to take advantage of plenty of time at Centerfire Place, with seven of their next nine games at home. The Oil Barons haven’t been overly successful at Centerfire Place, holding a record of 6-9-1. January will be a very important month for the MOB and not just because of all the games at home. Six games are against teams in the north division, including two versus Bonnyville, who sit four points back of the final playoff spot with four games in hand on the Barons. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Fort McMurray has been tinkering with their roster, which included a trade with the Devon Xtreme acquiring Mason Finley. The former Devon captain has 16 points in 30 games so far this season, as well as 168 games of Western Hockey League experience.
View From Grande Prairie:
The Storm also ended 2024 on a low note. Grande Prairie lost four in a row to south division teams to wrap up the pre-Christmas schedule and start 2025 with three games in three nights in eastern Alberta. The new year started with a 5-4 shootout loss to Lloydminster on Friday night, extending the Storm’s losing streak to five games. Tomis Marinkovic and Will Harris lead the charge offensively for Grande Prairie, while Las Vegas native Chayse Laurie has been one of the most dynamic rookies in the AJHL with 31 points in 30 games. Logan Cunningham has also put up some of the best numbers among defencemen in the league, ranking second in goals, assists and points.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Akkouche, Arnold & Villeneuve (12)
Assists: Villeneuve (18)
Points: Villeneuve (30)
PIM: Kunz (75)
Goalies: Filion: 14-11-1-1, 2.38 GAA, 0.925%
