Story Coming In:
It was the dream start to the southern road trip for the Oil Barons. The blue and gold picked up a pair of victories, out-scoring their opposition 7-3. What was even more impressive was Fort McMurray’s special teams. The power-play went 3-for-9, while the penalty kill was a perfect 10-for-10. Danny Akkouche continued his strong play. The Montreal, Quebec product stretched his road goal streak to four games, while also becoming the first Oil Baron to reach 20 points this season. Vincent Filion was also excellent in net for the MOB, snagging his first shutout of the year in a 3-0 win over Canmore, while also picking up both victories. Now the Oil Barons turn their attention to Drumheller and Olds. Last season, Fort McMurray won the season series against the Dragons, while the MOB have already beaten the Olds Grizzlys on the road this year.
View From Drumheller & Olds:
Despite losing five of their last seven games, the Drumheller Dragons find themselves in second place in the ultra-competitive South Division. Led by rookie sensations Ellis Mieyette and Easton Daneault, the Dragons can find the back of the net, ranking third in the league, with an average of 3.72 goals per game. Sean Cootes is having another solid season in goal in his second campaign with Dragons, posting a 2.28 goals against average and coming off a shutout win against Whitecourt on Wednesday. The biggest concern for the Dragons, early this season, is the penalty kill, which sits at a league worst 74.7%. The Grizzlys are fighting to stay in reach of the Calgary Canucks for the final playoff spot in the South. Olds dropped five games in a row at the Olds Sportsplex, all against North Division teams. Antonio Bevacqua and Mitch Patrick continue to pace the offence, however the Grizzlys have given up 3.94 goals per game. Shot differential is a concern for Olds, as they average 28.94 shots on goal, ranking last in the AJHL, while giving up 35.5 shots on target. One big threat from the Grizzlys is their power-play, which is ranked second in the league at 21.9%, including a league best 22.9% on home ice.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Akkouche (8)
Assists: Akkouche (12)
Points: Akkouche (20)
PIM: Redlick (52)
Goalies: Filion: 8-6-1-0, 2.23 GAA, 0.927%
