FORT McMURRAY, AB (January 9, 2015) – Trace Elson scored once in each of the first two periods, and the Whitecourt Wolverines added three more the rest of the way, beating the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (24-15-4) 5-2 on Friday night.
Elson was the first one to hit the scoresheet, taking a stretch pass from Jordan Davies and finishing off a strong rush up the right wing side.
Just 24 seconds later, Jared Freadrich's wrister from the point beat Brett Lewchuk (Saskatoon, SK) through a screen, giving Whitecourt a quick 2-0 lead.
But with under 10 seconds left in the period, the Barons cut the lead in half, when Shawn Weber (Lloydminster, AB) picked up his own rebound, and beat Tanner McCorriston over his left shoulder.
In the second, the Wolverines replied just under six minutes in, when Bryson Traptow won the race to the front of the net, and one-timed it past Lewchuk to restore the two goal lead.
And five and a half minutes later, the Wolverines forced a turnover down low, scoring their fourth of the night when Elson's shot deflected off a defenceman and up and over Lewchuk.
But the MOB got another goal back before the period was out, when Jetlan Houcher (Paradise Valley, AB) finished off a nice solo rush, making it 4-2 Whitecourt after 40.
In the third the Barons upped the pressure, firing 13 shots and multiple scoring chances McCorriston's way.
But the Wolverines held off the pressure, and iced the victory with a minute to play, on an empty netter from Romano Morrison.
Lewchuk made 20 saves in a tough loss, while McCorriston made 32 saves in the win.
With the loss, the Oil Barons remain a point back of Lloydminster for second place in the North, following a Bobcats loss to Spruce Grove.
The Oil Barons are right back at it on Saturday night, when they host the Drayton Valley Thunder at 8:00.
The MOB will retire Scottie Upshall's #7 in a ceremony before the game.
As well, Upshall and Florida Panthers teammate Shawn Thornton will be signing autographs before the game, out in the main lobby at 7:15.
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. Bryson Traptow (1 GWG)
2. Tanner McCorriston (32sv/34sh)
1. Trace Elson (2G)