FORT McMURRAY, AB (January 2, 2015) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons (23-14-4) started off the New Year with a bang, beating the Grande Prairie Storm 5-1 on home ice Friday night.
The Barons got off to a strong start, firing 18 shots Grande Prairie's way in the opening period.
The MOB came out of that period on top 1-0, thanks to a Salvatore Scalise (Calgary, AB) point shot that got past a screened Logan Thompson.
In the second, both teams scored in the span of 1:04, when Jared Toole wired a shot past Brett Lewchuk (Saskatoon, SK) to tie the game at 1.
But it was Kyle Star (Langley, BC) giving the Barons the lead 64 seconds later, keeping the puck on an odd-man rush and snapping it over the arm of Thompson.
In the third, the MOB added three more for good measure, starting with Trent Lofthouse (Surrey, BC) 58 seconds in, as he shook off a defender and beat Thompson in tight.
Lofthouse also factored in on the next goal, connecting with Jetlan Houcher (Paradise Valley, AB) on a pretty passing play.
And with just 22 seconds left, Zach Wittenburg (Chestermere, AB) banged in a loose puck to give the MOB the 5-1 win.
Thompson made 31 saves in the loss for the Storm, while Lewchuk made 31 saves of his own for the win.
With the win, the Barons move within one point of Lloydminster for second place in the North division.
Up next, the Barons have the weekend off before hosting the Bonnyville Pontiacs on Tuesday night (January 6) at 7:30.
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. Brett Lewchuk (31sv/32sh)
2. Kyle Star (1 GWG)
1. Trent Lofthouse (1G/1A)