Oil Barons Game Preview (Jan 25 & 26 vs Olds)

Story Coming In:

After an excellent start to the new year, the Oil Barons have now dropped three games in a row, as they try to keep a healthy lead over the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the final playoff spot. Fort McMurray has been outscored 12-6 in those three losses, and are coming off a 3-0 defeat to Grande Prairie. While finding offence consistently has plagued the MOB, the play of Vincent Filion has not. The busiest goaltender in the AJHL has done everything he can to keep his team in games, in what has been an MVP-like season for the overage netminder. To get the offence rolling, the Oil Barons would benefit from some secondary scoring. Production from players like Drew Freer, Leo Adams and Cade Petersen could go a long ways towards the Oil Barons finding consistent success for the rest of the season.

View From Olds:

The Grizzlys are coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the Camrose Kodiaks this week. Since being sellers at the CJHL trade deadline on January 10th, Olds has won one of five games, having given up four or more goals in three of those contests. Rookie Jonathan Doucette continues to lead his team in points. With 24 assists, Doucette has been one of the league’s best playmakers. Keeghan Dunn has also been an excellent addition to the Grizzlys roster. Coming off a two goal performance, the former Vernon Viper has been heavily involved in the two games he’s played in Central Alberta. The Grizzlys have had success in games that have gone into overtime or beyond with an 8-1 record so far this season..

Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:

Goals: Akkouche (15)

Assists: Akkouche (21)

Points: Akkouche (36)

PIM: Nordstrom (81)

Goalies: Filion: 17-13-2-1, 2.52 GAA, 0.920%