GDB #22 vs Prince Albert

Oil Kings(22 11-7-1-2)vsPrince Albert Raiders(23 5-16-1-1)

The Kings finally return to Rexall Place tonight to host the Raiders.  Edmonton struggled at times on their recent four game swing, going 1-2-0-1 in BC.  They are coming off a 5-2 loss in Kamloops on Saturday night.  The team has had some time off and a couple practices to prepare for the Raiders tonight before heading to Lethbridge tomorrow.  They may be without a pair of key defenders tonight, Mark Pysyk and Griffen Reinhart both have minor injuries.

The Raiders come in as one of the more perplexing teams this season.  They have only managed five victories on the season so far.  Last year they were a playoff team and gave first seed Saskatoon a run in the first round of the playoffs.  They Raiders have lost three straight and have one win in their last ten.

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Mason Geertsen.  The 16 year old defender has had a solid start to his rookie season in the WHL.  He has yet to register a point on the year, but has been reliable defensively, and has become a feared physical player.  Look for Geertsen to play a larger role tonight if Mark Pysyk and or Griffen Reinhart are unable to play.

Photo:  Prince Albert Raiders

Prince Albert: Justin Maylan.  The 20 year is off to a great start, leading the Raiders with 13 goals and 28 points so far this year.  Maylan is the prototypical 20 year in the WHL, a guy that can put up numbers and be a leader for his team.  With the rest of the Raiders off to slower starts Maylan has carried the ball.

Season Series: The Oil Kings took the first matchup this year in Prince Albert back on Sept 28, 4-1.  It was the Oil Kings first victory of the season, they controlled the game after scoring three goals in the first.  Justin Maylan registered the lone PA goal.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Kristians Pelss (10)

PA- Justin Maylan (13)

Points- EDM- Michael St. Croix (22)

PA- Maylan (28)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (10)
PA- Eric Williams (4)

PIMS- EDM- Mark Pysyk (41)
PA- Tyler Yaworski (66)

Drafted:

EDM- Mark Pysyk-Buffalo Sabres (1st Round, 2010), Kristians Pelss- Edmonton Oilers (7th, 2010), Keegan Lowe- Carolina Hurricanes (3rd, 2011), Travis Ewanyk- Oilers (3rd, 2011), Michael St. Croix- New York Rangers (4th, 2011), Martin Gernat- Oilers (5th, 2011), Laurent Brossoit- Calgary Flames (6th, 2011)

PA- Mark McNeill- Chicago Blackhawks (1st, 2011), Harrison Ruopp- Phoenix Coyotes (3rd, 2011).  Kellan Tochkin signed free agent- Vancouver Canucks.

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is 4th in rookie scoring in the WHL (19 points), Curtis Lazar is tied for 11th (13 points). Gernat is also 6th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is second in the league in minutes played (1127). Raiders forward Justin Maylan is 13th in WHL scoring.    Oil King Michael St. Croix, and Raider Mark McNeill  have  returned from the the Subway Series with Russia.  The Raiders have given up a league worst nine shorthanded goals.  This is the second of four meetings this season between the clubs. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.