Fort McMurray improved their record at home to 17-5-4 after a come from behind 3-2 win over the Bonnyville Pontiacs. Justin Dumais and Ryan Arnold both had a goal and an assist, while Brendan Gee made 29 saves in the win.
Bonnyville opened the scoring early in the game. Off a turnover, Riley Pederson wrapped the puck around the net and Rylan Emigh jammed it home. The Oil Barons responded. Drew Freer saw his shot ring off the post, before Leo Adams tucked home the rebound for his 14th goal of the season. The Pontiacs restored their advantage halfway through the first period. A shot from Gavin Harrison was turned aside by Gee, but Malcolm Baar steered the rebound into the back of the net. Grade A chances were limited the rest of the hockey game, but Fort McMurray capitalized when it mattered most. Late in the second period, on a 4-on-3 power-play, the MOB equalized the game. Dumais’s centering pass slid to Arnold, and the veteran forward sniped home his 33rd goal of the season. The Oil Barons pressed for a go ahead marker in the third period. Dumais was denied on a breakaway by the left leg of Nathan Salisbury. Lucas McDonald was also robbed by the rookie netminder. But in the ensuing scramble, the puck bounced to Willem Terwoord, who slipped the puck to Dumais, and the Montreal product slammed home the game winning goal, snapping his seven game goal drought.
The MOB have one final game before the start of the AJHL playoffs. It will be at Centerfire Place against the third placed Lloydminster Bobcats. Puck drop is at 7pm.
