Fort McMurray dropped their regular season finale 2-1 in a shootout against the Lloydminster Bobcats. Brendan Gee was outstanding making 37 saves in the loss, while Drew Freer picked up the lone goal for the Oil Barons.
Despite a litany of chances to start the game, the MOB couldn’t solve affiliated goaltender Carsten Leyerzapf, in the first period. The young man born in the Netherlands turned aside all 11 shots he faced in the opening period. However, the Oil Barons solved Leyerzapf 12 seconds into the second period. Cade Petersen missed a one timer, but the puck flew off the back boards right to Drew Freer, who chopped the puck home. It was the captain’s 20th goal of the season. From there, the Bobcats took over the game and put tremendous pressure on the MOB. In the third period, the referees gave Lloydminster a 5-on-3 power-play and they capitalized. A point shot from Jaxan Hopko was turned aside by Gee and Jadon Iyogun slammed home the rebound. 60 minutes solved nothing. In overtime, Leyerzapf denied Spencer Kunz, while Gee stoned Gus El-Tahhan and we went to a shootout. In the skill competition, the Bobcats got goals from Tucker Robertson and Oakley McIlwain, while Justin Dumais and Ryan Arnold had their attempts turned aside.
Fort McMurray now gears up for the playoffs! They will battle the AJHL’s regular season champion Whitecourt Wolverines. Game 1 is on Friday at JDA Place and it will be aired on the MOB Radio Network and Play 103.
