Story Coming In:
The Oil Barons are looking to build off their momentum after the MOB achieved their first weekend sweep of the season. Led by Carter Schmidt’s five points and several timely saves from Gage Stewart, Fort McMurray played a fast and physical game that scored them a pair of victories over Drumheller. The veterans also stepped up for the Oil Barons. Vincent Lamanna, Ryan Arnold and Simon Gaul are all on three game point streaks, while Rylan Ringor has three points in his last three games. Each point is important for Fort McMurray in the standings. Currently, the MOB sit one point above Drayton Valley for the final playoff spot, however, the Thunder have a game in hand on the Oil Barons.
View From Bonnyville:
Bonnyville is sitting in a pack of four teams in the middle of the AJHL standings separated by four points. With a record of 5-4 in January, the Pontiacs have not been able to separate themselves from the teams around them as they try to lock down home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Despite losing Myles Gauld to the BCHL, Bonnyville still possess several weapons including Luka Sukovic, whose 53 points are the sixth most in the league, while Nicholas Beaudoin notched a hat trick the last time these two teams met. Bonnyville also has the second best power-play in the AJHL, which has converted two of their five chances against the Oil Barons in the season series.
Stats Leaders For Fort McMurray:
Goals: Gaul (19)
Assists: Lamanna (20)
Points: Schmidt (30)
PIM: Hoogendoorn (101)
Goalies: Nelson: 6-9-0-2, 3.90 GAA, 0.907%, 1 SO
Stewart: 2-4-0-0, 4.34 GAA, .894%