It was a gutsy performance by the Oil Barons. Despite being outshot and giving up a 3-1 third period lead, Fort McMurray prevailed 4-3 in a shootout over the top ranked Whitecourt Wolverines. Ethan Makokis had a goal and an assist, Justin Dumais put up two helpers, while Brendan Gee made 34 saves in the win.
Fort McMurray opened the scoring on the power-play. Makokis stepped down the left wing and snapped a shot, top corner. With an assist on the play, Ryan Arnold extended his point streak to a league long 14 games. Whitecourt would get the goal back late in the first period. Ethan Short won a race into the offensive zone and found a wide open Kyle Tucker, who fired it past Gee. Early in the second period, the Oil Barons restored their advantage. Lucas McDonald slipped Evan Benoit in behind the defence, and the rookie from Calgary pulled off a dandy move for his sixth goal of the season. Fort McMurray added to their lead in the third period. On another power-play, Dumais fed a wide open Dustin Good in the slot, and the man from Conestogo, Ontario smashed the puck just inside the left post. However, the Wolverines would rally. Short got his fourth goal of the year, deflecting home a centering feed from Tucker. Then Brendan Ruskowski, on a great individual effort, tied the game with about two and half minutes to go. Overtime solved nothing and both teams squared off in a shootout. Quentin Bourne opened the scoring in the shootout for Whitecourt, going five-hole on Gee. Then Ryan Arnold responded after a Gee save to tie up the shootout. Finally, Dustin Good sealed it, ripping the puck five- hole on Elliott Pratt, snapping the Oil Barons’ four game losing skid at home.
Fort McMurray continues their final home stand of 2025 when the Camrose Kodiaks come to town. It starts with the annual Teddy Bear Toss game on Friday! Bring your stuffed animals and come down to Centerfire Place, puck drop is at 7pm.
