Story Coming In:
The Oil Barons took two of three games against the North Division co-leading Whitecourt Wolverines. Charles-Olivier Villeneuve had points in all three games with four goals and a helper, Carter Schmidt netted a goal and three assists, while Vincent Filion got both the wins for the MOB. Fort McMurray continues to try to solidify themselves in a playoff position. Despite Bonnyville having four games in hand on the Oil Barons, the MOB built up a five point gap with nine games remaining before the Christmas break. Another Oil Baron starting to find his groove offensively is Longueuil’s Justin Dumais. The former Gatineau Olympique has points in four of five games while playing on a line with Schmidt as well as Dustin Good. Fort McMurray also added Shawn Eliav, a 20-year-old defender from Florida, who is expected to add some offence from the backend.
View From Drayton Valley & Camrose:
The Thunder continue to look for traction in the AJHL’s South Division. Outside of the playoffs by four points, since beating Fort McMurray on October 26th, Drayton Valley has gone 3-3-2. Captain Cooper Brown continues to lead the charge offensively with 21 points in 22 games, while rookie Kohyn Pipke is finding his footing in the league. Pipke was named the league’s defensive player of the week, while riding a four game point streak. Justin Ivanusec appears to be an excellent pickup for the Thunder. Since joining the team, the former Calgary Hitmen has put up five assists in four games. The Kodiaks have been on a roller-coaster in the south. A five game winning streak saw Camrose climb to first in the division, before back to back losses dropped them to third, two points behind leaders Canmore. The Kodiaks could still be without the services of goaltender Carter Capton, who was called up to the Vancouver Giants. However, they do return forward Cole Barrett from the NAHL. The Mississauga, Ontario product had 17 points in 19 games last season for Camrose, and looks to be another weapon beside the likes of Bowen Grycan, Sam Lozinski and Garrett Thom.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Akkouche & Villeneuve (8)
Assists: Akkouche (13)
Points: Akkouche (21)
PIM: Kunz & Redlick (54)
Goalies: Filion: 10-8-1-0, 2.44 GAA, 0.921%
