Monday, January 30, 2012

Weekly Review #16

Review: It was an up and down week for the Edmonton Oil Kings.  The week opened with the highly anticipated matchup with the Tri-City Americans at Rexall Place.  In what was maybe the game of the year, the Amerks came away with a 5-4 OT victory on Brendan Shinniman's second of the game.  Griffin Reinhart had a pair for the Kings.  They followed that up with a convincing 6-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday night before falling 3-2 to the Giants on Saturday.  It was only Edmonton's fourth regulation loss at home of the season.  So far Vancouver has beaten the Kings twice this season, with a game to go in Vancouver later in February.

Last Week: Wednesday Jan. 25- Loss 5-4 OT vs Tri-City

Friday Jan. 27- Win 6-2 vs Brandon

Saturday Jan. 21- Loss 3-2 vs Vancouver

Upcoming: The Oil Kings have a very quiet week this week with just one game.  They host the Red Deer Rebels on Friday night.  Not all of the Kings have the week off as Griffin Reinhart will take part in the Top Prospects game in Kelowna on Wednesday.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (32)

Assists: St. Croix (47)

Points: St. Croix (79)

PIMS: Mitch Moroz (104)

Plus/Minus: St. Croix (+32)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (28)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25. Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct 8. Cody Corbett @ Brandon Oct 29, Brandon Baddock @ Lethbridge Nov. 19, Henrik Samuelsson @ Medicine Hat Jan. 12.

Goal- Gernat @ Red Deer, Sept 25,Curtis Lazar vs Medicine Hat Sept 30 (first regular season goal, scored in playoffs Mar 31, 2011), Mitch Moroz @ Swift Current Oct. 9, Ashton Sautner vs Portland Oct 21, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov. 8, Cole Benson vs Prince Albert Nov. 18, Henrik Samuelsson vs Kootenay Jan. 14, Tristan Sieban @ Prince Albert Jan 21.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1, Laurent Brossoit vs Regina Oct. 14, Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8, Benson, Mason Geertsen vs Prince Albert Nov 18, Henrik Samuelsson @ Medicine Hat, Jan 12.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Martin Gernat 7 games (1-11-12), Henrik Samuelsson 5 games (3-5-8), Kristians Pelss 2 games (2-1-3), Curtis Lazar 2 games (2-0-2), Keegan Lowe 2 games (0-2-2).

Notes: The Kings head into the week leading the Eastern Conference with 72 points through 51 games, four points more than the Moose Jaw Warriors. Michael St. Croix entered the week tied for 3rd in WHL scoring with 79 points in 51 games. Dylan Wruck is tied in 11th in league scoring with 64 points in 51 games. The Oil Kings are ranked second in both the powerplay and penalty kill heading into the week.

Drafted: 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)

Schedule:

Tuesday-

Wednesday-

Thursday-

Friday- vs Red Deer Rebels, Rexall Place, 7pm

Saturday-

Sunday-

Monday-

Saturday, January 28, 2012

GDB #51 vs Vancouver

Oil Kings (50 33-11-2-4) vs Giants (50 28-19-1-2)






The Oil Kings are right back at it tonight as they host the Vancouver Giants at Rexall Place.  It is the lone appearance of the G-Men in Edmonton this season.  The Kings are coming off a 6-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings last night.  Henrik Samuelsson had a pair of goals and Michael St. Croix passed Dylan Wruck for the franchise record for points in a season as he registered his 79th point of the year.  TJ Foster and Martin Gernat each had a pair of helpers as well.

The Giants were in action last night as well, being shut out in Calgary 2-0.  Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger stopped all 32 shots he faced, and Collin Bowman was the only man to beat Adam Morrison, Trevor Cheek iced it into an empty net for Calgary.  Vancouver has lost back to back games after losing 4-2 in Red Deer on Wednesday.  The Giants did get some good news last night as both Adam Morrison and World Junior star Brendan Gallagher made their return from injury.  Tonight's matchup will also feature brothers going head to head as the Giants have recalled their 2011 first round bantam pick, Thomas Foster, the younger brother of Oil King vet TJ.


Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series:  This is the second of three meetings between the two clubs this year.  Vancouver took the earlier matchup at the Pacific Coliseum, 4-1.  It wasn't the best effort for the Oil Kings and they will look to bounce back with a better game.  The Kings have traditionally struggled with the Giants picking up just one victory in nine all time matchups.  The two teams meet up again in Vancouver in February.

Up Next: The Oil Kings are in the midst of a five game homestand.  They will enjoy almost a complete week off before their next game with their biggest rival, the Red Deer Rebels, who visit on Friday night.  Griffin Reinhart will play in the top prospects game in Kelowna on Wednesday.  The Giants also have the coming week off, they wrap up a three game roadtrip here tonight and head west.  They meet up with Kamloops on Friday on the west coast.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (32)
VAN- Brendan Gallagher (28)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (79)
VAN- Gallagher (55)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (28)
VAN-Adam Morrison (24)

PIMS- EDM- Mitch Moroz (99)
VAN- Wes Vannieuwenhuizen (90)

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)

VAN-Adam Morrison- Philadelphia (3rd, 2009), Brendan Gallagher- Montreal Canadiens (5th, 2010), David Musil- Oilers (2nd, 2011), Marek Tvrdon- Detroit Red Wings (4th, 2011).

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Injury Report:
EDM: #21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, week to week
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, 1 month+
#24, Mason Geertsen, Upper body, 2 weeks

VAN: #9, Dalton Sward, Upper body, 2 weeks

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 3rd in league scoring (79), Dylan Wruck is 11th (64). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied in 8th in rookie scoring (35), Curtis Lazar is tied in 17th (24). Gernat is also tied in 12th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.45), and is 3rd in wins (28). For Vancouver, Brendan Gallagher is 20th in scoring (55).  Marek Tvrdon leads all rookies in scoring (50). Adam Morrison is 7th in GAA (2.56). This is the second of three meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

Friday, January 27, 2012

GDB #50 vs Brandon

Oil Kings (37 24-9-1-3) vs Wheat Kings (37 21-14-1-1)

The Oil Kings continue a five game homestand tonight as they welcome the Brandon Wheat Kings to town.  Edmonton is coming off a 5-4 overtime loss at the hands of the Tri-City Americans, in what was an absolutely fantastic hockey game on Wednesday night.  There were a combined 90 shots, 9 goals, and plenty of action between two of the top teams in the league.  Griffin Reinhart, in his return to the lineup, led the way with 2 goals, while Henrik Samuelsson, and Dylan Wruck had a pair of assists each.

The Wheat Kings come in tonight in a battle for their playoff lives.  Currently the Wheaties hold down the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, leading Red Deer by four points, with the Rebels holding three games in hand.  Last time out, Brandon was hammered 7-2 by the Calgary Hitmen.  They do have starting netminder Corbin Boes back from injury, but look for Curtis Honey to get the start at Rexall tonight.  The Wheat Kings have won just three of their last 13 outings.  Tonight will feature a battle between two world junior teammates in Mark Pysyk of the Oil Kings and Mark Stone of the Wheaties.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: This is the final meeting between the clubs this season.  Edmonton has won the previous two meetings by scores of 7-1 and 7-3.  Brandon won the first matchup of the clubs 3-2 at Westman Place back in October.  This is a potential first round playoff preview in the Eastern Conference.

Up Next:  The Oil Kings are right back in action tomorrow night when the Vancouver Giants roll into Rexall Place.  Both Brendan Gallagher and David Musil are expected to be in the lineup after rehabbing injuries.  The Oil Kings are playing game two of a five game homestand tonight.  Meanwhile Brandon has a huge matchup with the Rebels tomorrow night at the Centrium in Red Deer.  That game will wrap up a four game road swing for Brandon.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (31)
BDN- Mark Stone (31)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (77)
BDN- Stone (76)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (27)
BDN- Brandon Anderson (12)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (97)
BDN- Ryley Miller (95)

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)

BDN- Kevin Sundher- Sabres (3rd, 2010),Michael Ferland- Flames (5th round, 2010), Mark Stone- Ottawa Senators (6th, 2010), Darian Dziurzynski- Phoenix Coyotes (5th, 2011), Brandon Anderson signed free agent- Washington Capitals.

Injury Report:
EDM: #21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, week to week
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, 1 month+
#24, Mason Geertsen, Upper body, 2 weeks

BDN: #7, Eric Roy, Upper body, day to day
#21, Tyrel Seaman, Upper body, 2 week
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 3rd in league scoring (77), Dylan Wruck is 11th (64). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 9th in rookie scoring (33), Curtis Lazar is 19th (23). Gernat is also 14th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.46), and is 3rd in wins (27). For Brandon, Mark Stoneis 4th in scoring (76), Kevin Sundher is 8th (70), Michael Ferland is tied in 13th (59). Alessio Bertaggia is tied in 5th in rookie scoring (39). Ryan Pulock is third in scoring amongst defencemen (43) and Eric Roy is tied in 4th (39). This is the fourth and final meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

GDB #49 vs Tri-City

Oil Kings (48 32-11-1-4) vs Americans (46 34-11-0-1)











The Oil Kings, the sixth ranked team in the CHL,  return home tonight to face the third ranked team, the Tri-City Americans.  It will be the only regular season meeting between the clubs this season.  Edmonton is riding a three game win streak coming into tonight after defeating the Prince Albert Raiders Saturday night.  The Kings dominated the Raiders winning 9-2, Michael St. Croix once again led the way with three goals and a pair of assists.  He has been named the WHL, and CHL player of the week and has moved into third in league scoring. 

The Americans come in after losing their last two and have only won once in their last five games.  Last time out they lost 4-3 in a shoot out to the Kamloops Blazers in a battle for top spot in the WHL's Western Conference.  Tonight's matchup will feature the league's highest scoring team (Oil Kings, 208 goals for) against the stingiest (Americans, 112 goals against).  Five of the league's top ten scorers will lace them up tonight as well, as Michael St. Croix (3rd, 77pts) and Dylan Wruck (10th, 62pts) face the Americans attack which features Adam Hughesman (6th, 72 pts), Brendan Shinniman (7th, 71 pts) and Patrick Holland (9th, 65 pts).
Photo: Oilkings.ca
Season Series: This is the lone match up between the two teams this season.  Last year the Americans took theonly game in a tight affair in Kennewick, Washington.  They scored a power play goal in overtime to secure a 4-3 win in a very entertaining tilt.

Next Up: The Oil Kings continue their five game homestand on Friday against the Brandon Wheat Kings in what could be a first round playoff preview.  The Giants make their lone appearance at Rexall on Saturday night.  The Americans continue their three game Alberta road trip Friday in Red Deer before facing Calgary on Saturday night.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (31)
TC-Adam Hughesman (29)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (77)
TC- Hughesman (72)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (27)
TC- Ty Rimmer (19)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (97)
TC- Jesse Mychan (115)

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)

TC- Patrick Holland- Flames (7th, 2010.  Rights traded to Montreal), Zachary Yuen- Winnipeg Jets (3rd, 2011).

Injury Report:

EDM: #21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, week to week
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, 1 month+
#24, Mason Geertsen, Upper body, 2 weeks
#26, Kristians Pelss, Upper body, day to day

TC:#3, Sam Grist, Lower body, day to day
#21, Marcus Messier, Upper body, 1 week

Notes: Griffin Reinhart is expected to make his return to the Edmonton lineup tonight.  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 3rd in league scoring (77), Dylan Wruck is 10th (62). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 9th in rookie scoring (32) and he is tied for 13th in scoring amongst defencemen. Curtis Lazar is 19th in rookie scoring (23).  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.40), and is tied for 2nd in wins (27). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is also ranked 2nd. For Tri-City, Adam Hughesman is tied for 5thth in scoring (72), Brendan Shinniman is 7th in scoring (71), and Patrick Holland is 9th in scoring (65). Ty Rimmer leads all WHL goaltenders with a 2.13 GAA, Eric Comrie is 8th (2.60).  Rimmer also leads the league with 5 shutouts.  Tri-City has the top ranked penalty kill in the league, their power play is 6th.  This is the only meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 MT on the Team 1260.

Monday, January 23, 2012

WHL Top Ten #15

This is a poll of several Team 1260 members who follow the WHL closely and is compiled each Monday of the WHL season.

Weekly Review #15

Review: The Oil Kings went a perfect 3-0 last week.  Things opened up with Laurent Brossoit securing his second shutout of the season in 5-0 win over the visiting Prince George Cougars.  Michael St. Croix picked up a natural hat trick, his second three goal game of the year.  They followed that up with a 6-1 win in Swift Current.  The game featured a scary incident late when Mason Geertsen was slammed into the boards at the Oil King bench and was taking to hospital.  The good news is that Geertsen is ok and shouldn't be out of the lineup for too long.  Edmonton wrapped up their two game trip handing Prince Albert a 9-2 loss.  Again Michael St. Croix had a hat trick and five points in the game.  St. Croix was named the WHL's player of the week, and Laurent Brossoit was nominated for the CHL's goaltender of the week award.

Last Week: Wednesday Jan. 18- Win 5-0 vs Prince George

Friday Jan. 20- Win 6-1 @ Swift Current

Saturday Jan. 21- Win 9-2 @ Prince Albert

Upcoming: The Oil Kings open up a five game homestand on Wedenesday at Rexall Place.  It is their longest remaining homestand of the season.  Wednesday they face the CHL's top ranked team the Tri-City Americans.  It is the only meeting between the Kings and Ams this season.  Edmonton faces the Wheat Kings on Friday, before matching up with the Giants on Saturday. 

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (31)

Assists: St. Croix (46)

Points: St. Croix (77)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (97)

Plus/Minus: St. Croix (+30)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (27)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25. Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct 8. Cody Corbett @ Brandon Oct 29, Brandon Baddock @ Lethbridge Nov. 19, Henrik Samuelsson @ Medicine Hat Jan. 12.

Goal- Gernat @ Red Deer, Sept 25,Curtis Lazar vs Medicine Hat Sept 30 (first regular season goal, scored in playoffs Mar 31, 2011), Mitch Moroz @ Swift Current Oct. 9, Ashton Sautner vs Portland Oct 21, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov. 8, Cole Benson vs Prince Albert Nov. 18, Henrik Samuelsson vs Kootenay Jan. 14, Tristan Sieban @ Prince Albert Jan 21.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1, Laurent Brossoit vs Regina Oct. 14, Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8, Benson, Mason Geertsen vs Prince Albert Nov 18, Henrik Samuelsson @ Medicine Hat, Jan 12.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Tyler Maxwell 6 games (8-5-13), Martin Gernat 4 games (0-7-7), Michael St. Croix 3 games (6-4-10), Rhett Rachinski 2 games (1-2-3), Henrik Samuelsson 2 games (1-2-3), Stephane Legault 2 games 2 games (0-3-3), Curtis Lazar 2 games (1-1-2), Mitch Moroz 2 games (1-1-2), Keegan Lowe 2 games (0-2-2)

Notes: The Kings head into the week leading the Eastern Conference with 69 points through 48 games. Michael St. Croix entered the week 3rd in WHL scoring with 77 points in 48 games.  Dylan Wruck is 10th in league scoring with 62 points in 48 games. The Oil Kings have the top ranked power play in the league and the second ranked penalty in the league heading into the week.

Drafted: 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)

Schedule:

Tuesday-

Wednesday- vs Tri-City Americans, Rexall Place, 7pm

Thursday-

Friday- vs Brandon Wheat Kings, Rexall Place, 7pm


Saturday- vs Vancouver Giants, Rexall Place, 7pm


Sunday-

Monday-

Saturday, January 21, 2012

GDB #48 @ Prince Albert

Oil Kings (47 31-11-1-4) vs Raiders (46 15-28-1-2)










The Oil Kings wrap up their two game trip at the Art Hauser Centre tonight when they face off with the Raiders.  Edmonton dominated the Swift Current Broncos last night, winning 6-1.  Captain Mark Pysyk led the way offensively with two goals and an assist.  Tyler Maxwell chipped in a pair of goals as well, including scoring the opening goal of the game for the fourth straight time.  The game got a bit out of hand as the Broncos trailed 5-0 in the second period and became chippy.  There was a scary incident late in the game, when Mason Geertsen was checked late by Colby Cave, sending Geertsen awkwardly into the boards in front of the Oil King bench.  After doctors helped him off the ice, he spent the night in hospital, but all signs were good for the 16 year old.  Tristan Jarry picked up the win for Edmonton, who have won two straight.

The Raiders fell last night to the visiting Victoria Royals, 6-4.  PA tied the game with a pair of goals early in the third period, but were unable to hold off the Royal attack as Victoria got goals from Austin Carroll and Logan Nelson to secure the win.  The Raiders have now dropped four straight and sit last in the WHL's Eastern Conference with 33 points through 46 games.  Cole Holowenko has been the goalie of record in 12 straight games for the Raiders, every game since they dealt Eric Williams to the Chiefs.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: This is the fourth and final meeting between the clubs this season.  Edmonton has won all three of the previous meetings this year.  They won their first game of the season at the Art Hauser on September 28 downing the Raiders 4-1.  They also defeated the Raiders 4-3 at Rexall Place on a Rhett Rachinski goal with six seconds left in the third.  The Kings downed PA 5-3 the last time the teams met.
Next Up: The Oil Kings return home to face the Tri-City Americans on Wednesday night.  The game kicks off a five game homestand for the Kings, and could feature the two conference leaders, depending on the outcome of Tri-City's game with the Kamloops Blazers tonight.  The Raiders are also off until Wednesday when they kick off a three game roadie in Medicine Hat.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (28)
PA-Mike Winther (23)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (72)
PA- Justin Maylan  (59)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (26)
PA- Cole Holowenko (7)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (95)
PA- Tyler Yaworski (133)

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.

Injury Report:

EDM: #8, Griffin Reinhart, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, 1 month
#24, Mason Geertsen, TBD

PA:
#4, Tyler Hart, Lower body, day to day
#25, Carson Perreaux, Upper body, day to day
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 4th in league scoring (72), Dylan Wruck is tied for 10th (59). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 9th in rookie scoring (30) and he is tied for 13th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.41), and is tied for 2nd in wins (26). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is also ranked 2nd. For Prince Albert, Justin Maylan is tied for 10th in scoring (59).  Josh Morissey is 14th in rookie scoring (24). This is the fourth and final meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 5:45, the puck drops at 6:00 MT on the Team 1260.

Friday, January 20, 2012

GDB #47 @ Swift Current



Oil Kings (46 30-11-1-4) vs Broncos (45 18-22-2-3)














The Oil Kings kick off a quick two game Saskatchewan road trip tonight in Swift Current.  Edmonton is coming off a 5-0 victory over the Prince George Cougars Wednesday night at Rexall Place.  Michael St. Croix led the way offensively with a natural hat-trick, while Laurent Brossoit made 26 saves to secure his second goose egg of the season.  Brossoit made a save on a Greg Fraser penalty shot in the first period that changed the momentum after the Cougars had the early jump.  

The Broncos have won two straight themselves and sit tenth in the WHL's Eastern Conference, they trail Brandon by eight points for the final playoff spot in the conference.  Swift beat Victoria 3-1 on Tuesday night at the I-Plex, and shut out Red Deer 4-0 over the weekend.  It was the first shutout in former Oil King Jon Groenheyde's career.  He has appeared in 12 straight games for the Broncos.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: This is the third of four meetings between the clubs this season and the final one in Speedy Creek.  Edmonton has won the prior two meetings, 4-1 here in Swift and 5-3 in Edmonton a couple weeks back.  The teams square off once more at Rexall Place on March 3.

Next Up: The Oil Kings are right back at it tomorrow night in Prince Albert as they wrap up their swing.  The Kings have a five game homestand coming up to wrap up January and begin February.  Meanwhile the Broncos finish off a three game homestand here tonight and hit the road for a one game trip to Medicine Hat where they face the Tigers tomorrow.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (28)
SC-Taylor Vause (24)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (70)
SC- Vause (53)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (26)
SC- Jon Groenheyde (15)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (95)
SC- Andy Blanke (109)

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)

SC- SC- Adam Lowery- Winnipeg Jets (3rd, 2011), Reece Scarlett- New Jersey Devils (6th, 2011), Richard Nedomiel- Detroit Red Wings (6th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM: #8, Griffin Reinhart, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, 1 month

PG: #5, Jordan Evans, Upper body, 1 month+
#13, Shea Howorko, Upper body, week to week
#17, Adam Lowry, Upper body, 1 month+

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 5th in league scoring (70), Dylan Wruck is 10th (59). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 9th in rookie scoring (29) and he is tied for 14th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.41), and is 2nd in wins (26). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP the best in the WHL. For Swift Current, Taylor Vause is tied for 19th in scoring (53).  Coda Gordon is 4th in rookie scoring (38), Graham Black is tied for 9th (29).  Reece Scarlett is tied for 10th in scoring amongst defencemen (33). This is the third of four meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 5:45, the puck drops at 6:00 MT on the Team 1260.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

GDB #46 vs Prince George

Oil Kings (45 29-11-1-4) vs Cougars (43 15-26-0-2)



The Kings return to Rexall Place tonight for their first matchup with the Prince George Cougars.  Edmonton comes in after losing Sunday afternoon in Calgary, 4-3 to the Hitmen.  The Oil Kings looked like a tired team coming off a Saturday night 3-2 overtime win against Kootenay.  Curtis Lazar, Tyler Maxwell, and Mitch Moroz tallied for the Kings in Calgary, Tristan Jarry faced 38 shots.

The Cougars kick off a three game Alberta road trip tonight.  Coming off a successful weekend where they downed Lethbridge in back to back games, the Cougars are in a battle for the playoffs in the Western Conference.  They come into action tonight a point behind Victoria for the final playoff spot in the West, and have a couple games in hand on the Royals. 


Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Cougars made a few signifigant moves at the trade deadline with an eye towards the future.  They dealt Oilers draft pick Martin Marincin to the Pats for Ricard Blidstrand and a package of picks, and sent the rights to Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brett Connolly to the Tri City Americans for a 5th round pick and conditional picks if he is sent back to the WHL.  Prince George is a very young team featuring seven 16 year olds on their roster, including 2010 first overall pick in the Bantam Draft, Alex Forsberg.  Tonight will mark the first matchup between him and second overall pick, Curtis Lazar.

Season Series: This is the first of three games this season between the two clubs.  Last year Edmonton was 3-1 against the Cougars including a pair of tight games won by Dylan Wruck.  He scored the OT winner with no time on the clock in a wild 8-7 win at Rexall Place, and tallied a late third period goal for Edmonton in a thrilling come from behind win.  The teams will play a pair of games in Prince George next month.

Next Up: The Oil Kings hit the road for a pair of games after tonight.  They face the Broncos in Swift Current on Friday night, then play their second game in Prince Albert on Saturday.  The Cougars play Friday in Calgary before wrapping up their Alberta swing Saturday in Red Deer.


Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (25)
PG-Greg Fraser, Alex Forsberg (11)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (67)
PG- Troy Bourke (33)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (25)
PG- Drew Owsley (14)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (95)
PG- Campbell Elynuik (106)

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)

PG- Ricard Blidstrand- Philadelphia Flyers (7th, 2010)

Injury Report:

EDM: #8, Griffin Reinhart, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, 1 month

PG: #2, Dan Gibb, Lower body, day to day
#4, Linden Springer, Upper body, day to day
#17, Caleb Belter, Upper body, day to day
#21, Shane Pilling, Upper body, day to day
#26, Campbell Elynuik, Lower body, day to day

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 7th in league scoring (67), Dylan Wruck is10th (57). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 11th in rookie scoring (26) and he is tied for 18th in scoring amongst defencemen. Curtis Lazar is tied for 19th in rookie scoring.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.47), and is 2nd in wins (25). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is also 2nd. For Prince George, Alex Forsberg is tied for 9th in rookie scoring (29).  Drew Owsley is 13th in GAA (2.94), he is also tied for the league lead with 22 losses. The Oil Kings will be without Henrik Samuelsson tonight as he received a one game suspension for charging last time out in Calgary. This is the first of three meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

WHL Top Ten # 14

This is a poll of several Team 1260 members who follow the WHL closely and is compiled each Monday of the WHL season.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Weekly Review #14

Review: The Oil Kings collected four of six points with a pair of victories this past week.  Things opened up with a convincing 6-2 in Medicine Hat.  It was their first win in the 'Hat in modern franchise history, they were winless in 14 attempts.  Saturday night, at Rexall Place, the Kings outlasted the Kootenay Ice 3-2 in overtime.  Jordan Peddle sniped the winner after Ice netminder Nathan Lieuwen made numerous five alarm saves to keep his team in it.  Henrik Samuelsson registered his first WHL goal.  The Kings headed to Calgary immediately after the game and dropped a hard fought game with the Hitmen 4-3 on Sunday afternoon.

Last Week: Thursday Jan. 12- Win 6-2 @ Medicine Hat

Saturday Jan. 14- Win 3-2 OT vs Kootenay

Sunday Jan. 15- Loss 4-3 @Calgary

Upcoming: The Kings return to Rexall to face the Prince George Cougars on Wednesday night.  It will be the first of three meetings between the clubs on the season.  Edmonton is right back on the road after the game for a pair of tilts in Saskatchewan.  They visit Swift Current on Friday, and are in Prince Albert Saturday night.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (25)

Assists: St. Croix (42)

Points: St. Croix (67)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (95)

Plus/Minus: St. Croix, Dylan Wruck (+23)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (25)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25. Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct 8. Cody Corbett @ Brandon Oct 29, Brandon Baddock @ Lethbridge Nov. 19, Henrik Samuelsson @ Medicine Hat Jan. 12.

Goal- Gernat @ Red Deer, Sept 25,Curtis Lazar vs Medicine Hat Sept 30 (first regular season goal, scored in playoffs Mar 31, 2011), Mitch Moroz @ Swift Current Oct. 9, Ashton Sautner vs Portland Oct 21, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov. 8, Cole Benson vs Prince Albert Nov. 18, Henrik Samuelsson vs Kootenay Jan. 14.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1, Laurent Brossoit vs Regina Oct. 14, Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8, Benson, Mason Geertsen vs Prince Albert Nov 18, Henrik Samuelsson @ Medicine Hat, Jan 12.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Dylan Wruck 3 games (1-3-5), Kristians Pelss 3 games (2-3-5), Tristan Sieban 2 games (0-2-2)

Notes: Henrik Samuelsson will miss the game against Prince George, he drew a one game suspension for a charging major in Calgary. The Kings head into the week leading the Eastern Conference with 63 points through 45 games. Michael St. Croix entered the week tied in 6th in WHL scoring with 67 points in 45 games. He is pointless in his last four outings.  Dylan Wruck has moved into 10th in league scoring.  The Oil Kings have the second ranked power play and second ranked penalty in the league heading into the week.

Drafted: 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)

Schedule:

Tuesday-

Wednesday- vs Prince George, Rexall Place, 7pm

Thursday- Travel Day

Friday- @ Swift Current, Credit Union I-Plex, 6pm (MT)

Saturday- @ Prince Albert, Art Hauser Centre, 6pm (MT)

Sunday-

Monday-



Thursday, January 12, 2012

GDB #43 @ Medicine Hat

Oil Kings (42 27-10-1-4) vs Tigers (43 24-15-2-2)







The lone game on the WHL schedule features the Oil Kings in Medicine Hat tonight.  Edmonton is coming of a hard fought shoot out loss at the hands of the Red Deer Rebels on Sunday night.  The game featured a total of 114 minutes in penalties between the two Alberta rivals.  The Kings were able to tie the game in the third period on a beauty by Kristians Pelss, and controlled the second half of the game but were unable to put the Rebels away.

Photo: Dylan Lynch/Edmonton Oil Kings
The Tigers are coming off a 3-1 loss in Kootenay on Sunday as well.  Medicine Hat has lost 3 of their last four with their lone win over that stretch being an overtime win in Red Deer.  They boast a pair of the WHL's top players in Emersom Etem, an Anaheim Duck first round pick, as well as Hunter Shinkaruk, a 17 year old who isn't draft eligible until 2013.  In goal is Oiler prospect Tyler Bunz who is having another fine season between the pipes.

We should see the debut of Henrik Samuelsson, brought in by the Oil Kings earlier this week after playing for Modo in the Swedish Elite League earlier this season.  Also the it will mark the Medicine Hat debut of Fort Saskatchewan product Brendan Hurley, acquired from Kootenay at the trade deadline.

Season Series: Medicine Hat is 2-1 with the Oil Kings this season, winning the first two matchups (5-3 and 4-3 in a shoot out).  The Kings shut out the Tigers (3-0) in the last matchup in November at Rexall Place.  The teams visit each other once more down the stretch this year.  The Kings slipped back to 8th in the CHL Top Ten rankings, but have been nationally ranked for three straight weeks.  Edmonton has five players on NHL Central Scouting's Mid Terem Rankings, Griffin Reinhart is 8th, Ashton Sautner 91st, Cody Corbett 92nd, Mitch Moroz 171st and Henrik Samuelsson is 33rd amongst European skaters based on his season in Modo.

Photo: Dylan Lynch/Edmonton Oil Kings

Next Up: The Oil Kings are right back home on Saturday night to face the Kootenay Ice. The Kings will also welcome the Hanson Brothers, from the movie Slapshot that night as well.  It is only a brief stay in Edmonton for the Kings as they play the Hitmen in Calgary on Sunday afternoon.  Medicine Hat wraps up their two game homestand on Saturday when they face the Warriors.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (25)
MH- Emerson Etem (34)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (67)
MH- Etem (65)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (23)
MH- Tyler Bunz (23)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (90)
MH- Kale Kessy (100)

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)

MH- Emerson Etem- Anaheim Ducks (1st, 2010), Alex Theriau- Dallas Stars (4th, 2010), Tyler Bunz- Oilers (5th, 2010), Kale Kessy- Phoenix Coyotes (4th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM: #8, Griffin Reinhart, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month
#22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, tbd
#28, Martin Gernat, Upper body, day to day

MH: None

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is for 4th in league scoring (67), Dylan Wruck is tied in 12th (54). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 12th in rookie scoring in the WHL (25) and he is tied for 16th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is tied for 5th in GAA (2.50), and is tied for 3rd in wins (23). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is also 2nd. For Medicine Hat Emerson Etem is 6th in scoring (65), Hunter Shinkaruk is tied in 12th (54).  Etem and Shinkaruk are also 2-3 in goal scroring.  Jayden Hart is 17th in rookie scoring (22).  James Bettauer and Mathew Konan are tied for 5th in scoring amongst defencemen (34).  Tyler Bunz in tied with Brossoit for 5th in GAA (2.50), and tied with him for 3rd inwins (23).  Bunz leads the league in minutes played (2255) and is third in  save percentage (.923).  The Oil Kings have yet to win in Medicine Hat going 0-10-1-3 in the Arena. This is the fourth of six meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

WHL Top Ten #13

This is a poll of several Team 1260 members who follow the WHL closely and is compiled each Monday of the WHL season.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Weekly Review #13

Review: The Kings picked up five of six points this past week after they returned home from their World Junior World Trip.  They managed to come from behind to double up the Hurricanes 6-3, still playing with a shortened lineup with six players wrapping up their international commitments.  The full lineup contributed to a victory over the Broncos on Saturday, and the week wrapped up with a hard fought shoot out loss to the Rebels on Sunday night.

Last Week: Wednesday Jan. 4- Win- 6-3 vs Lethbridge

Saturday Jan. 7- Win 5-3 vs Swift Current

Sunday Jan. 8- Loss 4-3 vs Red Deer (Shoot out)

Upcoming: The Kings hit the road on Thursday to face the Tigers in Medicine Hat.  The game should mark the debut of the newest Oil King, Henrik Samuelsson, brought in from Modo of the Swedish Elite League.  Samuelsson is not an import in the WHL as he was born in Arizona and has represented the US at international tournaments.  Edmonton is yet to record a win in the Hat going 0-14 in their modern franchise history.  They return home to face the Kootenay Ice on Saturday night, and wrap the week up with their first visit to Calgary on Sunday afternoon.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (25)

Assists: St. Croix (42)

Points: St. Croix (67)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (95)

Plus/Minus: Dylan Wruck (+24)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (23)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25. Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct 8. Cody Corbett @ Brandon Oct 29, Brandon Baddock @ Lethbridge Nov. 19.

Goal- Gernat @ Red Deer, Sept 25,Curtis Lazar vs Medicine Hat Sept 30 (first regular season goal, scored in playoffs Mar 31, 2011), Mitch Moroz @ Swift Current Oct. 9, Ashton Sautner vs Portland Oct 21, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov. 8, Cole Benson vs Prince Albert Nov. 18.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1, Laurent Brossoit vs Regina Oct. 14, Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8, Benson, Mason Geertsen vs Prince Albert Nov 18.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Dylan Wruck 3 games (1-3-5), Kristians Pelss 3 games (2-3-5), Tristan Sieban 2 games (0-2-2)

Notes: The Oil Kings made one move at the WHL trade deadline dealing 20 year Cameron Reid to Portland for a second round Bantam Draft Pick in 2013.  Reid had been on Edmonton's list since their expansion year.  He had been playing for St. Cloud in the NCAA, but will report to Portland.  The Kings head into the week leading the Eastern Conference with 59 points through 42 games.  Michael St. Croix entered the week fourth in WHL scoring with 67 points in 42 games. Their power play is 3rd in the WHL, their penalty kill is 2nd. The Oil Kings moved up to 7th in the CHL Top Ten Rankings.  The Kings have been nationally ranked for 3 consecutive weeks. 

Drafted: 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)

Schedule:

Tuesday-

Wednesday-

Thursday- @ Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat Arena, 7pm

Friday-

Saturday- vs Kootenay Ice, Rexall Place, 7pm

Sunday- @ Calgary Hitmen, Scotiabank Saddledome, 2pm

Monday-



















Saturday, January 7, 2012

GDB #41 vs Swift Current Broncos

Oil Kings (40 26-10-1-3) vs Broncos (41 16-20-2-3)




The Kings continue their three game homestand with a Saturday night affair with the Swift Current Broncos.  Edmonton is coming off a 6-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Wednesday night.  The Kings got goals from six different players (Wilson, Foster, Benson, St. Croix, Wruck, and Moroz).  Lethbridge had a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, but were heavily outshot by the Kings (19-5).  Edmonton scored five times in the second period and cruised to their 26th win of the year.  Former Bronco Jordan Peddle will face his old team for the second time this season, he was acquired for Jon Groenheyde early in the season.


Photo by Darwin Knelson

Swift Current beat the Rebels last night in Red Deer, holding on for a 3-2 win.  20 year old Taylor Vause led the way with a goal and a pair of assists, while Groenheyde made 32 saves.  The win moved the Broncos into a tie with the Rebels for 9th in the East, seven points behind Brandon for the final playoff spot.
It was the first game as a Bronco for Adam Rossignol, acquired earlier in the day from the Kootenay Ice for defenseman Tanner Muth.  The WHL trade deadline is Tuesday.

Henrik Samuelsson

The Oil Kings also made a roster move this week.  They signed 17 year old Arizona product, Henrik Samuelsson.  He had been playing in Modo of the Swedish Elite League.  Samuelsson is the son of former NHLer Ulf, and is expected to arrive in Edmonton tomorrow night.  He is projected as a possible first round NHL pick in this year`s draft.  To make room on the roster the Kings waived Dave Stephens.

The Kings also will be getting all of their players back from the World Juniors and the U17s tonight.  Mark Pysyk arrived last, yesterday after practice with his Bronze Medal.  Krisitans Pelss practiced with the team, as did Mason Geertsen, Curtis Lazar and Tristan Jarry.  It appears that Martin Gernat may take the weekend off with a minor upper body injury sustained while representing Slovakia.



Season Series: The Oil Kings took the lone matchup earlier this season in Swift Current by a 4-1 score.  Stephane Legault recorded a hat trick in the win.  The teams will play twice more after tonight, once each at Rexall Place and the Credit Union I-Plex in Swift.

Next Up: The Oil Kings wrap up their homestand tomorrow night when they face the Red Deer Rebels.  It will mark just the second of six meetings between the two clubs.  Red Deer took the first in the Oil Kings first game of the season 4-3 in overtime in Red Deer.  The Broncos complete a three game trip here tonight and head home where they will enjoy some time off before facing Saskatoon on Friday night.

Photo: scbroncos.com
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (25)
SC- Taylor Vause (23)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (65)
SC- Vause (49)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (23)
SC- Jon Groenheyde (13)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (90)
SC- Andy Blanke (104)

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)

SC- Adam Lowery- Winnipeg Jets (3rd, 2011), Reece Scarlett- New Jersey Devils (6th, 2011), Richard Nedomiel- Detroit Red Wings (6th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM:#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +

SC: #5, Jordan Evans, Upper body, 1 month +
#13, Shea Howorko, Upper body, week to week
#15, Adam Smith, Upper body, 1-2 weeks
#17, Adam Lowry, Upper body, 1 month+

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 4th in  league scoring (65), Dylan Wruck is 13th (52). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 12th in rookie scoring in the WHL (25) and he is tied for 15th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is tied for 4th in GAA (2.50), and is tied for 2nd wins (23). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is also 2nd.  For Swift Taylor Vause is 16th in scoring (49).  Coda Gordon is 4th in rookie scorin (35), Graham Black is 10th (27).  Reece Scarlett is tied for 8th in scoring amongst defensemen (31). This is the second of four meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.



Wednesday, January 4, 2012

GDB #40 vs Lethbridge


Oil Kings (39 25-10-1-3) vs Hurricanes (41 15-25-0-1)







The Oil Kings return to Rexall Place to open up a three game homestand against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  The Kings are coming of their four game World Junior road trip which saw them go 2-1-0-1.   Last time out they lost 5-2 in Regina.  The Kings were unable to beat the Pats at all this year, going 0-4 after sweeping them last season.  Newly minted WHL Player of the Month, Michael St. Croix stretched his point streak to five games with a pair of goals.  St. Croix now has points in 15 of his last 17 games.  He has 30 points over that stretch and has moved into third in league scoring.  This will mark the final time the Oil Kings will be missing six players (Pysyk, Pelss, Gernat, Lazar, Geertsen, and Jarry) who are all involved with international tournaments.  Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, and Tristan Jarry finished 5th with Team Pacific at the U17 World Hockey Challenge.  Kristians Pelss and Team Latvia defeated Denmark 2-1 in OT to finish 9th in the World Junior Hockey Championships, while Martin Gernat and the Slovaks face the Czech Republic in the 5-6 game tonight.  Mark Pysyk and Team Canada play Finland for the Bronze tomorrow afternoon.


Photo Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
 The game tonight features the East leading Oil Kings and the basement dwelling Hurricanes.  Lethbridge has 31 points in 41 games and are tied with Prince Albert for the last spot in the East division.  They snapped a three game losing streak last time out with a 7-2 win over the Kootenay Ice.  Daniel Johnston led the way with three assists.  Lethbridge has earned a victory against Edmonton earlier this year, they can play a very physical brand of hockey and will look to grind the Oil Kings speedy forwards.

Photo Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: The Oil Kings have beaten the Hurricanes three times so far this season.  Edmonton is 3-1 against Lethbridge with 5-1, 10-3, and 5-2 victories.  The Hurricanes defeated the Kings 5-2 in Lethbridge in November.  The teams will play once more this year in Edmonton on February 26th.

Next Up:  The Oil Kings will continue their three game homestand on Saturday night.  They face former Oil King netminder Jon Groenheyde and the Swift Current Broncos.  The Hurricanes return home to play Medicine Hat Thursday before embarking on a six game road trip.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (24)
LET- Cam Braes (21)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (62)
LET- Braes (40)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (22)
LET- Damian Ketlo (11)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (88)
LET- Graham Hood (71)

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)

LET- Brody Sutter- Carolina Hurricanes (7th, 2011)

Injury Report:

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

LET: #2, Spencer Galbraith, Upper body, 1 week
#15, Michael Sofillas, Upper body, 1 month +
#16, Austin Fyten, Lower body, 1 month +
#26, Max Moline, Lower body, 1 month +

Players away at International Tournaments:

EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada WJHC), Martin Gernat (Slovakia WJHC), Kristians Pelss (Latvia WJHC), Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, Tristan Jarry (Team Pacific, U17)

LET: Macoy Erkamps, Jay Merkley (Team Pacific, U17), Craig Leverton (Team West, U17)

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 3rdin league scoring (62), Dylan Wruck is 11th (50). Defenceman Martin Gernat is12th in rookie scoring in the WHL (25), Curtis Lazar is tied for 18th (19). Gernat is tied for 14th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is tied for 5th in GAA (2.48), and is tied for 3rd wins (22). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is tied for 2nd.  This is the fifth of six meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.com.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Oil Kings Weekly Review #12

Review: The Oil Kings kicked off the second half of the season on a four game road trip due to the World Junior Championships in Edmonton.  Things opened well for the Kings with a 7-2 win in Saskatoon over the Blades.  The next night they played a fantastic game, losing 4-3 in a shootout in Moose Jaw.  They rounded out the trip with a dominate performance beating the Wheat Kings 7-1 before falling 5-2 in Regina.  The Oil Kings end their season series with the Pats without a victory, going 0-4. 

Last Week: Tuesday Dec. 27- Win 7-2 @ Saskatoon

Wednesday Dec. 28- Loss 4-3 SO @ Moose Jaw

Friday Dec. 30- Win 7-1 @ Brandon

Sunday Jan. 1- Loss 5-2 @ Regina

Upcoming: The Oil Kings return to Rexall Place for the first time in 2012 on Wednesday night when they welcome the Lethbridge Hurricanes.  The three game home stand also features former Oil King netminder Jon Groenheyde and the Swift Current Broncos on Saturday, and the second meeting of the year with the Red Deer Rebels on Sunday afternoon.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (24)

Assists: St. Croix (38)

Points: St. Croix (62)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (88)

Plus/Minus:  Martin Gernat (+23)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (22)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25. Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct 8. Cody Corbett @ Brandon Oct 29, Brandon Baddock @ Lethbridge Nov. 19.

Goal- Gernat @ Red Deer, Sept 25,Curtis Lazar vs Medicine Hat Sept 30 (first regular season goal, scored in playoffs Mar 31, 2011), Mitch Moroz @ Swift Current Oct. 9, Ashton Sautner vs Portland Oct 21, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov. 8, Cole Benson vs Prince Albert Nov. 18.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1, Laurent Brossoit vs Regina Oct. 14, Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8, Benson, Mason Geertsen vs Prince Albert Nov 18.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Dylan Wruck 8 games (4-12-16), Michael St. Croix 7 games (9-10-19), Tyler Maxwell 5 games (5-4-9), Rhett Rachinski 3 games (2-1-3), Mark Pysyk 3 games (1-4-5)

Notes: The Oil Kings were down six regular players (Pysyk, Pelss, Gernat, Lazar, Geertsen, and Jarry) during their road trip.  They are expected to back in time to face the Broncos on Saturday night.  Ryan Aasman, Braeden Johnson, and Brendan Jensen joined the team on the road as APs.  Heading into the week the Kings led the WHL's Eastern Conference with 54 points.  Michael St. Croix entered the week third in WHL scoring with 62 points in 39 games.  The Oil Kings power play is tied for 2nd, their penalty kill in 2nd.  The Oil Kings have been ranked 8th in the CHL Top Ten Rankings for back to back weeks.

Drafted: 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)
Schedule:

Tuesday-

Wednesday- vs Lethbridge Hurricanes, Rexall Place, 7pm

Thursday-

Friday-

Saturday- vs Swift Current Broncos, Rexall Place, 7pm

Sunday- vs Red Deer Rebels, Rexall Place, 2pm

Monday-



WHL Top Ten #12

This is a poll of several Team 1260 members who follow the WHL closely and is compiled each Monday of the WHL season.