FORT MCMURRAY, AB (January 6, 2015) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons (24-14-4) scored early and often, en route to a 5-1 win over the visiting Bonnyville Pontiacs.
With the MOB a man up in the first, Adam Durkee (Nederland, CO) caught a break when his shot hit the right post, bounced back, and caromed in the net off the pads of Joey Desrosiers, putting the Barons up 1-0.
In the second, the Barons added to their lead when Trent Lofthouse (Surrey, BC) grabbed a pass off a rebound in front of the net, burying his 14th goal of the year and extending the lead to 2-0.
In the third, the Barons pulled away with it, starting with Lofthouse's second goal of the night just over five minutes into the third.
Steenn Pasichnuk brought the Pontiacs back within two on the powerplay, finishing off a nice feed from Bobby McMann.
But five minutes after that, Logan Franz (Medicine Hat, AB) responded for the Barons with his seventh on the season.
And just over a minute later, Jetlan Houcher (Paradise Valley, AB) potted the fifth Barons goal of the night, he and both linemates – Adam Durkee and Trent Lofthouse – had three-point nights on the scoresheet.
Desrosiers made 27 saves in the loss, while Zach Fortin put up 43 saves in the big win.
With the win, the Barons remain one point behind Lloydminster for second place in the North division – each having played 42 games.
Up next for the Barons, a couple days off before hosting the Whitecourt Wolverines on Friday night for an 8:00 puck drop.
Tickets are available at the Casman Centre box office, online at tickets.oilbarons.com, or by phone at 780 743 5509.
KAOS 91.1 3 Stars:
3. Adam Durkee (1G/2A)
2. Zach Fortin (43sv/44sh)
1. Jetlan Houcher (1G/2A)
