Story Coming In:
Fort McMurray started seeing the pieces come together after a weekend sweep of the Lloydminster Bobcats. Simon Gaul broke out with a four point weekend, while Charles-Olivier Villeneuve and Dustin Good both posted three points. Meanwhile, Nolan Eastwood and Griffin Gidney both scored their first career AJHL goals. With the win, Fort McMurray gained some separation from the three teams behind them, as they try to chase down the Whitecourt Wolverines for second in the north division. Over the weekend, the Oil Barons managed more goals than the last five games combined, while also seeing five players score their first goals of the season. If there’s one area the MOB want to see improvement in, it is their power-play, which has scored once in their last 30 attempts.
View From Bonnyville:
The Pontiacs have struggled early on in the season. Having lost seven games in a row, the inability to keep the puck out of the net has plagued Bonnyville, averaging 4.3 goals against per game, tying for the most against with the Olds Grizzlys. Special teams also struggled, with the power-play ranked 10th and the penalty kill sitting in last. However, there are some bright spots on this Pontiacs team. Kailus Green’s 14 points put him in second among all AJHL scorers, Christophe Lussier is among the best rookies in the league with nine points in ten games, and 2008-born Mathieu Lajoie announced his commitment to Arizona State University. The Pontiacs also have shown they’re a dangerous shorthanded team, scoring three shorthanded goals, tied for the most in the AJHL.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Schmidt (5)
Assists: Akkouche (7)
Points: Akkouche (10)
PIM: Beaulac (30)
Goalies: Filion: 5-2-1-0, 2.35 GAA, 0.926%
