Story Coming In:
The Oil Barons finished with 30 wins on the season for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign, when the MOB had a record of 40-19-1. Leading the offence was Justin Dumais and Ryan Arnold, both finished in the top five in points in the AJHL. Brendan Gee also provided a solid backbone for the Oil Barons. The Vancouver native finished fourth in the league in wins and goals against average, while sporting the second best save percentage. In the season series, both teams won three games. Dumais paced the team with eight points against the Wolverines, while Arnold and Benoit had seven and six points, respectively. What could determine the outcome of the series is special teams. Fort McMurray’s power-play found success against Whitecourt, scoring eight times on 25 attempts. Meanwhile, the Oil Barons penalty kill finished first overall in the AJHL, scoring a league high 11 shorthanded goals.
Player to Watch – Spencer Kunz:
While eyes focus on Ryan Arnold, Justin Dumais and Brendan Gee, the play of Spencer Kunz will be paramount to Fort McMurray’s success. All season long, Kunz has been tasked with shutting down the opposition’s top player. This series will see the best player in the league face Fort McMurray. If Kunz can consistently silence Jalen Bianchet, the Oil Barons could have the upperhand.
X-Factor – Stefan Serediak:
The storyline is very intriguing for Stefan Serediak. Playing against his former team. Offensive production has been quiet since joining the Oil Barons at the trade deadline. But in his final shot at an AJHL title, Serediak could be a difference maker for the MOB. The elements of JDA Place will not catch Serediak off guard. Ending up in potentially favorable line matchups, the Edmonton product will have an opportunity to break out and regain his scoring touch from when he was a member of the Devon Xtreme.
View From Whitecourt:
For the second time in three seasons, the Wolverines are the top team in the AJHL. This year, they did it through an excellent offence and a stingy defence. Whitecourt almost averaged four goals a game, while giving up a league-lowest 2.62 against. Individually, the success of the Wolverines starts and ends with Jalen Bianchet. The Pickering, Ontario product is basically a shoo-in for league MVP, leading in goals scored and points. In the season series against Fort McMurray, he tallied nine goals and three assists, while combining for 25 points with Kyle Tucker. However, the Wolverines captain is surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. Quentin Bourne, Tristan Slywka and Elliott Pratt are all up for league awards, while Brendan Ruskowski was firing at an electric rate with 22 points through the months of February and March. Depth is a strength of Whitecourt as they look to capture their first AJHL title.
Player to Watch – Elliott Pratt
A lot of Whitecourt’s success will come down to their goaltender. The Toronto product led the league in wins, goals against average and shutouts. However, Pratt doesn’t have much playoff experience and he has played the most minutes in the AJHL. Against an excellent offence in Fort McMurray, Pratt will be tested this series and may be asked to steal a game or two. Can the former Robert Morris University commit step up like past Whitecourt goaltenders in the postseason?
X-Factor – Tyler Pretty
Can Whitecourt find consistent production besides Jalen Bianchet? That will be the question asked throughout the playoffs. One player who can answer that is Tyler Pretty. The former Devon Xtreme forward missed a large chunk of the season due to a broken ankle, but the graduating forward has the ability and pedigree to be an impact player. Averaging over a point a game, Pretty put up four points in four games against the MOB. This will also be Pretty’s first taste of playoff hockey, so you know he will want it to last as long as he can. If he can be a consistent producer, it will take a lot of pressure off his captain, and eyes will start wandering to other weapons on this Whitecourt team.
Stats Leaders Fort McMurray:
Goals: Arnold (33)
Assists: Dumais (51)
Points: Dumais (77)
PIM: Nordstrom (120)
Goalie: Gee 19-7-2-2, 2.89 GAA, .919 SV%, 1SO
Stats Leaders Whitecourt:
Goals: Bianchet (46)
Assists: Tucker (43)
Points: Bianchet (87)
PIM: Hooson (114)
Goalie: Pratt 26-7-1-2, 2.32 GAA, .916 SV%, 5SO
