Story Coming In:
The Oil Barons wrapped up four games in five nights with a pair of victories. Shawn Eliav led the offence with five points, while Gavin Melcher collected both wins in between the pipes. Captain Danny Akkouche snapped his four game point streak on Tuesday with a goal and two assists, Nolan Eastwood and Louis-Charles Cunningham had impressive performances on Monday putting up three points each, while Justin Dumais extended his point streak to six games. With one final tune up before the postseason, the MOB are looking to do something they haven’t done since December of 2022, win three games in a row. In a tight season series against the Pontiacs, the Oil Barons look to get some star players rolling. Despite leading Fort McMurray in points against Bonnyville, Ryan Arnold hasn’t scored in 10 games. Getting him going again will help elevate the Oil Barons offence. The MOB also had one player recognized in the awards finalists, as goalie Vincent Filion was nominated for league MVP.
View From Bonnyville:
It will be the first time since 2002 that the Pontiacs will miss the playoffs. An up and down season comes to an end tonight and Bonnyville hopes they can boast a pair of wins to wrap up the season. Against Fort McMurray, the Yaks have taken three of five contests, despite being outscored 13-11. Bonnyville has had a score by committee approach against the Oil Barons, with Slade Firkus, Kyle Kalamaras and Porter Byrd-Leitner all leading the charge with four points against the Barons. Goaltender Cody Butikis has been between the pipes every game against Fort McMurray, putting up a stellar 2.41 goals against average and .940 save percentage. Despite the disappointment of the season, Bonnyville has seen some good news off the ice, as Byrd-Leitner was named a nominee for AJHL Rookie of the Year, and overage forward Myles Gauld announced his commitment to Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton next season.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Akkouche & Schmidt (17)
Assists: Akkouche (30)
Points: Akkouche (47)
PIM: Kunz & Nordstrom (102)
Goalies: Filion: 20-19-2-1, 2.71 GAA, 0.911%
