FORT MCMURRAY, AB (Oct. 19, 2012) — Justin Fraser (Hussar, AB) scored two goals, both assisted by linemates Harry Hendrix (Calgary, AB) and Kevin Lacroix (St. Albert, AB), to cue a third-period comeback as the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (7-7-1) beat the Olds Grizzlys (7-8-1) 2-1 at the Casman Centre on Friday night.
The Barons entered the game on a two-game winning streak while the Grizzlies had been losers of two consecutive.
The MOB also hadn't played since a 2-1 win the previous Saturday night against the Grande Prairie Storm.
Despite a 12-5 first period shot advantage, the Barons would find themselves down 1-0 after the opening 20, thanks to just the second goal of the campaign from Olds forward Chase Paylor, who was found alone at the side of the McMurray net off a cross-ice pass, beating Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, AB) back-door to open the scoring.
The Grizzlys would hold that narrow 1-0 lead for nearly 40 minutes until the MOB finally broke it just under 9 minutes into the third.
Charging in on a 2-on-1, Lacroix wove his way around an Olds defender, firing a cross-crease backhand centring pass to Fraser, who jammed it into a yawning cage to tie the game and ruin Olds goalie Ethan Jemieff's shutout bid.
Just over 4 minutes later, Hendrix gained a step on two defenders at the right wing faceoff circle before depositing the puck to Lacroix in the right corner, whose centring pass again found Fraser back door for his second of the game.
Despite a late flurry of chances by Olds, and the fact that the MOB were outshot in the period 15-14, the home side hung on for the narrow win.
The Barons are right back in action on Saturday night as they host the Calgary Canucks.
Game time is 8pm with pre-game coverage starting at 7:45 on Country 93.3.
Country 93.3 3 stars:
3. Ethan Jemieff (36 saves on 38 shots)
2. Tanner Jaillet (28 saves on 29 shots)
1. Justin Fraser (2 goals)