Story Coming In:
It was the tale of two games for the Oil Barons to open the 2023/24 season. In Sherwood Park, Fort McMurray came out flat, as the Crusaders skated home with a straightforward victory. However, the next night the blue and gold showed a different mentality and went toe to toe with the Spruce Grove Saints, earning their first win at Grant Fuhr Arena since March 3rd, 2019. Scoring has come from up and down the lineup, while Gabe Gratton was the backbone, especially in Saturday’s victory. Now the Oil Barons face a Bonnyville side they haven’t seen since January 1st, when tempers boiled over, particularly at the end of the game. With a second opening three game road trip wrapping up, Fort McMurray hopes to return to Centerfire Place with their record above .500
View From Bonnyville:
The Pontiacs are also sitting at 1-1 after opening weekend. Opening night was a bit of a surprise when Bonnyville fell 5-1 on home ice, however, they countered quickly with a dominating 5-0 win over the Calgary Canucks. Luka Sukovic led the way with a goal and two helpers, while Tyler Blocha had a pair of goals in the victory and Bodee Weiss cashed in the 18-save shutout. Bonnyville has tons of top end talent with Sukovic, Blocha, Nicholas Beaudoin and Ludovik Tardif. Despite being a smaller sized roster, the Pontiacs contain ridiculous speed that can capitalize on any mistake.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: several at (1)
Assists: several at (1)
Points: Evan Arnold, Ringor and Rodman (2)
PIM: Nordstrom (0)
Goalie: Gratton: 1-1-0, 4.00 GAA, 0.899%
Watch all the action on https://www.flohockey.tv/ or listen live on the MOB Radio Network presented by Home Hardware https://www.fortmcmurrayoilbarons.ca/listen-live
