Story Coming In:
Three is the magic number for Fort McMurray. That’s how many points they need to clinch a playoff spot, after their win over Devon last Friday, coupled with a Bonnyville loss on Tuesday. The Oil Barons played excellent hockey their last four games, which saw them pick up character wins over Drayton Valley and Devon. Carter Schmidt continues to impress. The overage forward is riding a five game point streak, while leading the MOB in goals scored. Drew Freer is also starting to find his groove, as he has back to back two point games. The Oil Barons are hoping the positives carry over to the road. Fort McMurray has not won a game away from Centerfire Place since December 8th, losing seven in a row. They also have not won three games in a row since December of 2022. Achieving that feat would not only help them clinch a playoff spot, but also give the MOB much needed momentum heading into the postseason.
View From Grande Prairie:
It was an up and down month of February for the Storm. Going 4-4-4, the playoff bound Storm’s grip on second has loosened, as they find themselves only three points ahead of the Lloydminster Bobcats. A plus for Grande Prairie is that four of their final five games are at the Bonnets Energy Centre, including a playoff preview with the final two against the Bobcats. Tomis Marinkovic is the key player for the Storm. With points in 16 of his last 18 games, Marinkovic finds himself in the top five of the AJHL points race. The offence also receives a boost by the return of Colin Doherty from the BCHL’s Spruce Grove Saints. The Sherwood Park product is averaging over a point a game since returning to northwestern Alberta. Defender Cade Kozak has also been an excellent addition. The rookie from Minnesota was named defender of the week, after putting up six points in his last three games.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Schmidt (17)
Assists: Akkouche (28)
Points: Akkouche (44)
PIM: Nordstrom (100)
Goalies: Filion: 20-17-2-1, 2.57 GAA, 0.915%
