GDB #34 vs Calgary

Oil Kings (33 22-8-1-2) vs Calgary Hitmen (34 17-14-2-1)

The Oil Kings and the Hitmen hook up for the third time this month at Rexall Place tonight.  The Kings took the previous two meetings by a combined score of 12-3.  Edmonton is looking to push their winning streak to 11, coming off a 6-3 win over the Victoria Royals on Wednesday night.  Once again Michael St. Croix led the way with a goal and three assists.  Tonight also marks the annual Teddy Bear toss game at Rexall as well.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Hitmen lost a tight 3-2 game last night at home against the Regina Pats.  Calgary has lost four of their last six, but did pick up a point in an overtime loss to Lethbridge a couple nights back.

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Keegan Lowe.  The 18 year old, Carolina Hurricane prospect, will likely face the top players from the Hitmen tonight.  He has been paired as of late with Griffin Reinhart and the duo will be relied upon heavily in the coming games with both Mark Pysyk and Martin Gernat at World Juniors.  Lowe is adapting to playing the right side as well.  Look for him to be a physical force tonight for the Kings.

Photo:  Mike Drew/Calgary Sun

Calgary:  Greg Chase.  The 16 year old, first year Hitman, has been impressive in his visits to Rexall Place this season.  The Sherwood Park product, a teammate of Kings defender Mason Geertsen last season, has a goal and ten points this season in a mainly third line role.  He figures to be a big part of the Hitmen in the future, and has shown playmaking ability in the two games against Edmonton this year.

Season Series: The Oil Kings thave won both games by scores of 6-1, and 6-2, both at Rexall Place.  This is the final meeting this season in the City of Champions.  The teams will play in Calgary three times in the new year.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (18), Tyler Maxwell (18)

CGY- Victor Rask (16)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (50)

CGY- Cody Sylvester (36)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (19)
CGY- Chris Driedger (9)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (72)
CGY- Spencer Humphries (70)

Drafted:

Kristians Pelss

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)

Victor Rask

CGY- Jimmy Bubnick- Atlanta Thrashers (6th, 2009), Brooks Macek- Detroit Red Wings (6th, 2010), Victor Rask- Hurricanes (2nd, 2011), Alex Roach signed free agent (Los Angeles Kings)

Injury Report:

EDM:#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


CGY: None


Players away at International Tournaments:


EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada U20), Martin Gernat (Slovakia U20)


CGY: Victor Rask (Sweden U20)

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (50), Dylan Wruck is tied for 14th (43).  Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 9th in rookie scoring in the WHL, Curtis Lazar is tied for 19th (17 points). Gernat is also 11th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Gernat has left to attend the camp for Team Slovkia for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.  Captain Mark Pysyk will play for Team Canada.  Kristians Pelss has been named to the Latvian preliminary roster.  Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, and Tristan Jarry will play for Team Pacific at the U-17 Challenge in Windsor.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 3rd in GAA (2.38), and is tied for 2nd in wins (19).  The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is 4th.  For Calgary, Victor Rask is 7th in rookie scoring (29).  Rask has been named to Team Sweden for the World Juniors.  Greg    Chase will play for Team Pacific at the U-17 Challenge.  This is the third of six meetings between the two clubs this year.  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.