Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Playoff Update

Review: The Oil Kings have been very impressive so far in the playoffs, opening up a 2-0 series lead over the defending WHL Champion Ice.  Laurent Brossoit was unbeatable in game 1, posting his first career playoff shutout in a 3-0 win.  In game 2 the Kings fought back to tie the game three times, and only led once on Keegan Lowe's blast from the point with 3:12 left in the third.

Friday Mar. 24- Win 3-0 vs Kootenay
Sunday Mar. 26- Win 4-3 vs Kootenay

Upcoming: Games 3 and 4 are back to back, Wednesday and Thursday in Cranbrook.  Game 5 would be at Rexall Place on Sunday afternoon.

Playoff Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix, Curtis Lazar (2)

Assists: Tyler Maxwell, Lazar (2)

Points: Lazar (4)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe, Griffin Reinhart (6)

Plus/Minus: Mark Pysyk, Lowe, Travis Ewanyk, Lazar, Mitch Moroz (+2)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (2)

Firsts: Playoff Game- Cody Corbett, Ashton Sautner, Stephane Legault, Martin Gernat, Mitch Moroz vs Kootenay, March 24.

Playoff Goal- Mitch Moroz vs Kootenay, March 24.

Playoff Point- Mitch Moroz, Travis Ewanyk, Laurent Brossoit vs Kootenay, March 24.  Stephane Legault, Mark Pysyk vs Kootenay, March 26.
Playoff Win- Laurent Brossoit vs Kootenay, March 24

Notes: Henrik Samuelsson is eligible to return to the lineup for Game 3 on Wednesday night after serving his two game suspension for clipping.  The Oil Kings recorded their first playoff win in modern franchise history on March 24.  Curtis Lazar is tied with Jordan Hickmott for the modern franchise lead in all time playoff scoring (5 points). 

Remaining Round One Schedule:

Wednesday, March 28- @ Kootenay Ice, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7pm

Thursday, March 29- @ Kootenay Ice, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7pm

*Sunday, April 1- vs Kootenay Ice, Rexall Place, 2pm

*Tuesday, April 3- @ Kootenay Ice, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7pm

*Wednesday, April 4- vs Kootenay Ice, Rexall Place, 7pm

*-if necessary

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Final Week in Review

Review: The Oil Kings closed out the regular season with another 3-0 week pushing their run to 11-0 to end the regular season.  Victories in Kootenay (overtime winner by Kristians Pelss), Medicine and Red Deer rounded out the year and the Kings finished with 50 wins and the Scotty Munro Trophy as the top team in the WHL's regular season.  They will open the playoffs on Friday against the eighth seeded Kootenay Ice at Rexall Place.
Wednesday Mar. 14- Win 5-4 OT @ Kootenay
Friday Mar. 16- Win 4-2 @ Medicine Hat

Saturday Mar. 17- Win 7-3 @ Red Deer

Upcoming: The Kings will have home ice throughout the WHL's playoffs.  Things get going on Friday night when they face Kootenay.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (45)

Assists: St. Croix (60)

Points: St. Croix (105)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (139)

Plus/Minus: Martin Gernat (+41)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (42)

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: TJ Foster 4 games (4-3-7), Martin Gernat 3 games (1-4-5), Tyler Maxwell 2 games (0-3-3), Dylan Wruck 2 games (1-2-3), Kristians Pelss 3 games (2-1-3), Mark Pysyk 3 games (0-3-3).

Notes: Michael St. Croix finished 8th in WHL scoring with 105 points in 72 games. Dylan Wruck finished 21st with 80 points in 66 games, TJ Foster (T25) and Tyler Maxwell (T30) also finished in the top 30 in scoring. The Oil Kings power play and penalty kill both finished 2nd in the league.

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).

Round One Schedule:

Friday, March 23- vs Kootenay, Rexall Place, 7pm

Sunday, March 25- vs Kootenay, Rexall Place, 5pm

Wednesday, March 28- @ Kootenay, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7pm

Thursday, March 29- @ Kootenay, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7pm

*Sunday, April 1- vs Kootenay Ice, Rexall Place, 2pm

*Tuesday, April 3- @ Kootenay, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7pm

*Wednesday, April 4- vs Kootenay, Rexall Place, 7pm

*-if necessary

Final WHL Top Ten

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














I would like to thank all who participated throughout the season!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

GDB #72 @ Red Deer

Oil Kings (71 49-15-3-4) vs Rebels (71 32-33-1-5)










The Oil Kings wrap up their regular season tonight in Red Deer against the Rebels.  Edmonton is red hot winning their past ten games and lead the WHL's overall standings by one point over the Tri-City Americans.  Last night the Kings knocked off the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-2.  Laurent Brossoit was the game's first star stopping 36 of 38 Tiger shots.  Mark Pysyk, Henrik Samuelsson, Curtis Lazar and Michael St. Croix had goals.

Red Deer has won their last two outings, beating Medicine Hat and Lethbridge in tight affairs.  The Rebels beat the Hurricanes last night 3-2 despite only having 15 healthy skaters.  Cody Thiel, Charles Inglis and Adam Kambeitz tallied for the Rebels, Bolton Pouliot stopped 34 of 36 shots to earn the victory.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings 
Season Series: After losing the first two matchups this season in overtime and a shoot-out, the Oil Kings have beaten the Rebels three straight times.  Two of those games were last week in a back to back series.  The second game got out of control with the teams combining for 156 penalty minutes.

Up Next: The Kings await results from other action to learn who they will face in the first round of the playoffs.  As of now they could play Regina, Kootenay or Brandon.  The standings are as follows

1 *xy Edmonton Oil Kings 105 points
2 *x Moose Jaw Warriors 96
3 x Calgary Hitmen 89
4 x Medicine Hat Tigers 89
5 x Saskatoon Blades 83
6 x Regina Pats 82
7 x Kootenay Ice 82
8 x Brandon Wheat Kings 81

Red Deer, meanwhile wraps up their season tonight as they will finish 9th in the East.  Twenty year old Devan Dubyk will play his final WHL game tonight, as will Alex Petrovic who will join the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League for their playoff push. Petrovic, 19, is a second round pick of the Rampage's parent club, the Florida Panthers.

Out of Town:  The Oil Kings will be watching the out of town scoreboard for a few scores around the league.  Regina is in Brandon, and Kootenay plays in Calgary in the Eastern Conference.  Also they could be waiting on the outcome of Spokane in Tri-City.  An Edmonton victory would clinch the regular season pennant in the WHL, but if Red Deer wins tonight, an American loss would also clinch the top spot for the Kings.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings  
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (44)
RD- John Persson (23)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (103)
RD- Persson (58)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (41)
RD-Devan Dubyk (17)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (139)
MH- Alex Petrovic (139)

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)

RD- Justin Weller- Phoenix Coyotes (4th, 2009), Alex Petrovic- Florida Panthers (2nd, 2010), John Persson- New York Islanders (5th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM: #11, Dylan Wruck, Upper body, day to day

RD: #3, Aaron Borejko, Upper body, 1 month+
#8, Kayle Doetzel, Upper body, week to week
#10, Turner Elson, Upper body, week to week
#11, Cory Millette, Upper body, week to week
#12, Colten Mayor, Upper body, 1 month+
#16, Joel Hamilton, Upper body, 1 month+
#17, Chad Robinson, Lower body, week to week
#26, Justin Weller, Upper body, 1 month+
#35, Patrik Bartosak, Upper body, season ending

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings  
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (103), Dylan Wruck is tied in 18th (80). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 7th in rookie scoring (55) and he is tied in 7th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 2nd in GAA (2.46), and is 2nd in wins (41). For Red Deer, Mathew Dumba is tied for 5th in scoring amongst defencemen (56), Alex Petrovic is tied for 15th (46).  Patrik Bartosak is 10th in GAA (2.74).  This is the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 7:20, the puck drops at 7:40 on the Team 1260.

Friday, March 16, 2012

GDB #71 @ Medicine Hat

Oil Kings (70 48-15-3-4) vs Tigers (70 42-23-2-3)











Coming off a thrilling 5-4 overtime win in Cranbrook over the Ice, the Oil Kings play the penultimate game of their regular season tonight in Medicine Hat.  The Kings led the Ice 1-0 after the first period on a great shot by Rhett Rachinski.  They would trail the Ice three times throughout the game and fought back to tie it each time.  Michael St. Croix, Cole Benson and Tristan Sieben added regulation goals before Kristians Pelss played the hero scoring his 27th of the season in overtime.

Medicine Hat opened up a three game homestand to finish off the season on Wednesday with a 4-2 loss to Red Deer.  They had won two straight heading into the game.  The Tigers boast one of the best one-two punches offensively in the league with 60 goal man Emerson Etem, and 2013 draft eligible Hunter Shinkaruk.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: The Oil Kings have won the last three games between the two clubs after the Tigers won the first two meetings early in the season.  The Oil Kings also snapped their 14 game losing skid at the Medicine Hat Arena on January 12th with a 6-2 win, in which they chased Oiler draft pick Tyler Bunz after 40 minutes.

Up Next: The Kings wrap up the regular season tomorrow night in Red Deer.  The only thing that may be on the line for Edmonton could be first overall in the WHL depending on action tonight.  The Tigers also finish their regular season tomorrow at home against the Hurricanes.

Stretch Drive: The Kings have one game left after tonight, on the road (Red Deer). They have clinched a first spot overall in the Eastern Conference and lead the Tri-City Americans by a single point for first overall.

The Tigers have one game left after tonight, at home (Lethbridge). They sit third in the Eastern Conference, leading Calgary by two points.  They have clinched home ice in the first round.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings 
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (43)
MH- Emerson Etem (60)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (101)
MH- Etem (105)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (40)
MH-Tyler Bunz (39)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (137)
MH- Kale Kessey (147)

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: #11, Dylan Wruck, Upper body, day to day

MH: #5, Tyler Lewington, Lower body, 1 week
#7, Spenser Jensen, Upper body, day to day
#10, Gavin Broadhead, Upper body, 1 week
#19, Jayden Hart, Upper body, 2 weeks
#28, Rhyse Dieno, Upper body, 1 month+
#36, Trevor Cox, Upper body, 1 week
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings 
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (101), Dylan Wruck is tied in 16th (80). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 6th in rookie scoring (54) and he is tied in 7th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 3rd in GAA (2.47), and is 2nd in wins (40). For Medicine Hat, Emerson Etem is 7th in scoring (105), he leads the league in goals (60).  Hunter Shinkaruk is tied in 12th in scoring (88).  James Bettauer is tied in 5th in scoring amongst defencemen (55), Matthew Konan is tied in 9th (51).  Bettauer leads dmen in goal scoring (21).  Tyler Bunz is 4th  in GAA (2.51), is third in wins (39) and leads the league in save percentage (.923).  This is the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 7:15, the puck drops at 7:30 on the Team 1260.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

GDB #70 @ Kootenay


Oil Kings (69 47-15-3-4) vs Ice (69 36-25-4-4)












The Oil Kings are looking to increase their win streak to nine games tonight when they face the Kootenay Ice.  Edmonton is coming off an entertaining 7-4 win over the Red Deer Rebels on Saturday night at Rexall Place.  The Oil Kings erased a two goal deficit with three goals in 2:26 of the second period.  They controlled a very chippy game the rest of the way to pick up the win.  Michael St. Croix registered a goal and an assist to reach the one hundred point mark for the season.  Cody Corbett had a pair, while Dylan Wruck, TJ Foster, Kristians Pelss, and Martin Gernat added goals.

Kootenay has dropped their last two games, 3-1 at home against Medicine Hat and 3-2 in Spokane on Saturday.  The Ice are in a battle in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference for play-off seeding, and this has the potential to be a first round play-off series.

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings

Season Series: The Oil Kings have taken all five games between the two clubs this year.  They have a shoot out and overtime victory to go with three regulation wins.  Last year Kootenay took all six games on their way to  a Western Hockey League Championship.

Up Next: The Kings continue their season ending three game road trip on Friday when they visit the Medicine Hat Tigers.  They wrap up the season on Saturday in Red Deer.  Kootenay finishes the year with a home and home with the Calgary Hitmen, beginning Friday in Cranbrook.

Stretch Drive: The Kings have two games left after tonight.  None at home, and two on the road (Medicine Hat, Red Deer). They have clinched a first spot overall in the Eastern Conference and are trail the Tri-City Americans by a single point for first overall.  Edmonton has a game in hand on the Amerks.

The Ice have two games left after tonight. One at home (Calgary), and one on the road (Calgary). Kootenay sits sixth in the Eastern Conference one point behind Saskatoon. The Ice and Pats are tied at 80 points, two up on Brandon who hold down the final playoff spot.
Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings 
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (42)
KTN- Max Reinhart (28)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (100)
KTN- Max Reinhart (76)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (40)
KTN-Nathan Lieuwen (27)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (137)
KTN- Jesse Ismond (99)

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)

KTY-  Max Reinhart- Flames (3rd, 2010), Joey Leach- Flames (3rd, 2010), Drew Czerwonka- Oilers (6th, 2010), Nathan Lieuwen- Sabres (6th, 2011).

Injury Report:

EDM: #11, Dylan Wruck, Upper body, day to day

KTN: #19, Drew Czerwonka, Lower body, 1-3 weeks
Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings 

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (100), Dylan Wruck is tied in 15th (80). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 7th in rookie scoring (52) and he is 8th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 3rd in GAA (2.47), and is 2nd in wins (40). For Kootenay, Sam Reinhart is tied in 4th in rookie scoring (59).  Nathan Lieuwen leads the WHL in GAA (2.38).  This is the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

WHL Top Ten #22

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

Monday, March 12, 2012

Weekly Review #22

Review: The Oil Kings extended their winning streak to eight with another perfect 3-0 week. It started with a tight overtime win over the Moose Jaw Warriors in a battle of the top two teams in the East.  Kristians Pelss broke a 2-2 tie with his 25th of the season just over a minute into the extra session.  The Kings then took both ends of a home and home with the Red Deer Rebels.  They won Friday in Red Deer 5-2, Travis Ewanyk picked up his first goal of the season, and they beat the Rebels 7-4 Saturday.  The game featured 156 minutes in penalties.  The Kings locked up their first Central Division pennant and clinched first overall in the Eastern Confernece during the week.

Wednesday Mar. 7- Win 3-2 OT vs Moose Jaw

Friday Mar. 9- Win 5-2 @ Red Deer

Saturday Mar. 10- Win 7-4 vs Red Deer

Upcoming: The Oil Kings warp up their regular season with three road games this week.  They face the defending champs, the Kootenay Ice on Wednesday.  They are 5-0 against the Ice this year.  Friday they visit Medicine Hat, and they have a return date with the Rebels in Red Deer to wrap up the regular season.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (42)

Assists: Dylan Wruck (59)

Points: St. Croix (100)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (137)

Plus/Minus: St. Croix (+40)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (40)

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: TJ Foster 4 games (4-3-7), Martin Gernat 3 games (1-4-5), Tyler Maxwell 2 games (0-3-3), Dylan Wruck 2 games (1-2-3), Kristians Pelss 3 games (2-1-3), Mark Pysyk 3 games (0-3-3).

Notes: The Kings head into the week leading the Eastern Conference with 101 points through 69 games, nine points more than the Moose Jaw Warriors. They have locked up the first seed in the East.  Michael St. Croix entered the week 8th in WHL scoring with 100 points in 69 games. Dylan Wruck is tied for 15th in league scoring with 80 points in 66 games. The Oil Kings power play and penalty kill are both ranked second 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- @ Kootenay Ice, Cranbrook RecPlex, 7 pm

Thursday-

Friday- @ Medicine Hat Tigers, Medicine Hat Arena, 7:30 pm

Saturday- @ Red Deer Rebels, Enmax Centrium, 7:30 pm

Sunday-

Monday-

Saturday, March 10, 2012

GDB #69 vs Red Deer

Oil Kings (68 46-15-3-4) vs Rebels (67 30-31-1-5)













The Oil Kings play their final home game of the regular season tonight when they rematch with the Red Deer Rebels.  The Oil Kings beat the Rebs last night 5-2 in Red Deer.  TJ Foster lead the way with a pair of markers, Curtis Lazar, Rhett Rachinski, and Travis Ewanyk tallied as well.  With the win and the Moose Jaw loss to the Pats, the Oil Kings have secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile it was a huge loss for the Rebels who are seeing their faint playoff hopes just about expire.  The Rebels trail the Wheat Kings by 10 points with five games left in their season.  The Oil Kings will have a chance to hammer the final nail in the coffin tonight at Rexall Place.


Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: The Oil Kings now lead the series with six points (2-0-1-1) in four matchups this season.  They have won the past two games after dropping the first two.  They will wrap up the series and season  next Saturday in Red Deer.

Up Next: The Kings hit the road to wrap up the regular season with a three game trip starting Wednesday in Kootenay.  They also visit Medicine Hat and Red Deer. The Rebels open up a three game road trip tonight.  They are in Calgary Sunday afternoon and visit Medicine Hat on Tuesday.

Stretch Drive: The Kings have three games left after tonight.  None at home, and three on the road (Kootenay, Medicine Hat, Red Deer). They have clinched a first spot overall in the Eastern Conference and are tied with the Tri-City Americans for first overall with 99 points.

The Rebels have four games left after tonight. Two at home (Lethbridge, Edmonton), and two on the road (Calgary, Medicine Hat). Red Deer sits ninth in the Eastern Conference ten points behind the Wheat Kings. Brandon's magic number to eliminate Red Deer is one.
Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (41)
RD- Jon Persson (22)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (98)
RD- Persson (54)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (39)
RD- Devan Dubyk (16)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (135)
RD- Alex Petrovic (122)

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)

RD- Justin Weller- Phoenix Coyotes (4th, 2009), Alex Petrovic- Florida Panthers (2nd, 2010), John Persson- New York Islanders (5th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM: None to report

RD: #3, Aaron Borejko, Upper body, 1 month+
#8, Kayle Doetzel, Upper body, week to week
#10, Turner Elson, Upper body, week to week
#12, Colten Mayor, Upper body, 1 month+
#16, Joel Hamilton, Upper body, 1 month+
#26, Justin Weller, Upper body, 1 month+
#35, Patrik Bartosak, Upper body, season ending

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (98), Dylan Wruck is tied in 16th (78). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied in  7th in rookie scoring (50) and he is tied in 8th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is tied in 2nd in GAA (2.44), and is 2nd in wins (38). For Red Deer, Mat Dumba is tied in 8th in defencemen scoring (50), Alex Petrovic is 17th (42). Patrik Bartosak is 10th in GAA (2.74). 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.

Friday, March 9, 2012

GDB #68 @ Red Deer

Oil Kings (67 45-15-3-4) vs Rebels (66 30-30-1-5)














The Oil Kings and Rebels open a home and home series tonight in Red Deer.  The Kings, winners of six straight games, are coming off a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over the Moose Jaw Warriors.  Kristians Pelss netted the winner 1:02 into overtime with his 25th of the season.  Stephane Legault scored a pair of goals for Edmonton in the victory which clinched their first Central Division Championship. 

It has been a trying season for the Rebels, as injuries throughout the year have decimated their lineup.  They are coming off a 3-2 loss on Tuesday night at home against Medicine Hat.  Mat Dumba scored a goal and assist in the loss.  The Rebels basically need to win out to have any shot at a playoff spot as they trail Brandon by 10 points with six games left.

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: The Rebels have defeated the Oil Kings twice in the three matchups so far this season.  They won opening night 4-3 in OT in Red Deer, and also posted a 4-3 victory in a shoot out in Edmonton on January 8.  The Oil Kings won the last meeting 3-2 in Edmonton on February 3.  The teams play again tomorrow night at Rexall Place and wrap up the season next Saturday in Red Deer.

Up Next: The Kings play their final home game of the season tomorrow night when these two teams play the back half of the home and home.  It is fan appreciation night at Rexall Place, and the Oil Kings are expecting a large crowd, maybe big enough to challenge the record for largest crowd in Oil Kings history.








Stretch Drive: The Kings have four games left after tonight. One at home (Red Deer), and three on the road (Kootenay, Medicine Hat, Red Deer). They have clinched a playoff spot and lead the Eastern Conference by seven points over Moose Jaw. They have clinched the Central Division title as well.

The Rebels have five games left after tonight. Two at home (Lethbridge, Edmonton), and three on the road (Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat). Red Deer sits ninth in the Eastern Conference ten points behind the Wheat Kings.  Brandon's magic number to eliminate Red Deer is three.
Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (41)
RD- Jon Persson (22)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (98)
RD- Persson (54)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (38)
RD- Devan Dubyk (16)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (133)
RD- Alex Petrovic (118)

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)

RD- Justin Weller- Phoenix Coyotes (4th, 2009), Alex Petrovic- Florida Panthers (2nd, 2010), John Persson- New York Islanders (5th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM: None to report

RD: #3, Aaron Borejko, Upper body, 1 month+
#8, Kayle Doetzel, Upper body, week to week
#10, Turner Elson, Upper body, week to week
#12, Colten Mayor, Upper body, 1 month+
#16, Joel Hamilton, Upper body, 1 month+
#26, Justin Weller, Upper body, 1 month+
#35, Patrik Bartosak, Upper body, season ending

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (98), Dylan Wruck is tied in 16th (77). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 8th in rookie scoring (48) and he is tied in 10th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is tied in 2nd in GAA (2.45), and is 2nd in wins (38). For Red Deer, Mat Dumba is 8th in defencemen scoring (50), Alex Petrovic is 17th (42).  Patrik Bartosak is 11th in GAA (2.74).   This is the fourth of six meetings between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 7:15, the puck drops at 7:30 on the Team 1260.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

GDB #67 vs Moose Jaw

Oil Kings (66 44-15-3-4) vs Warriors (66 41-18-5-2)












The top two teams in the Eastern Conference face off tonight at Rexall Place.  The Oil Kings lead the Warriors by six points for the number one seed in the east.  Edmonton has won five straight games after a 3-1 victory over the Saskatoon Blades on Sunday night.  TJ Foster, Michael St. Croix (with his team leading 41st), and Curtis Lazar with his first goal since January 28th scored for Edmonton.  Laurent Brossoit was credited with 16 saves.


The Warriors played last night, losing 2-1 in Lethbridge.  The loss snapped a four game winning streak for Moose Jaw who can clinch the Eastern Division with any combination of one point earned, or one lost by the Regina Pats.  Edmonton's magic number for the Central is three points earned or three lost by the Medicine Hat Tigers.  Moose Jaw starter Luke Siemens had started six straight coming into action tonight.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: The Kings lead the series this year 2-0-0-1 over the Warriors.  If the teams were to finished tied atop the Eastern Conference the Kings would hold the tie breaker.  All three games have been tight affairs, the Kings winning the first two by scores of 3-1, and 2-1.  Moose Jaw won the last meeting 4-3 in a shoot out.

Up Next: The Kings wrap up a three game homestand with tonight's tilt.  They will be in Red Deer Friday in the front half of a home and home.  The Rebels will be in Edmonton on Saturday in the Oil Kings final home game of the regular season.  The Warriors complete a three game road trip in Regina on Friday night.

Stretch Drive: The Kings have five games left after tonight. One at home (Red Deer), and four on the road (Red Deer, Kootenay, Medicine Hat, Red Deer). They have clinched a playoff spot and lead the Eastern Conference by six points over Moose Jaw. They lead the Central Division by ten points over Medicine Hat.

The Warriors have five games left after tonight. Two at home (Regina, Prince Albert), and three on the road (Regina, Brandon, Prince Albert). Moose Jaw has clinched a playoff spot, and are second in the conference, trailing the Kings by six points.  They lead the Eastern Division by 12 points over the Regina Pats.
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (41)
MJ- Cam Braes (38)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (98)
MJ- Braes (76)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (37)
MJ- Luke Siemens (33)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (133)
MJ- Cody Beach (208)

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)

MJ- Dylan McIlrath- Rangers (1st, 2010), Quinton Howden- Florida Panthers(1st, 2010), Cody Beach- St. Louis Blues (5th, 2010), Kendall McFaull-Winnipeg Jets (6th, 2010), Joel Edmundson- Blues (2nd, 2011).

Injury Report:

EDM: None to report

MJ:  #4, Morgan Rielly, Lower body, 1 month
Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (98), Dylan Wruck is tied in 16th (77). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 8th in rookie scoring (47) and he is tied in 11th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 2nd in GAA (2.46), and is tied for 2nd in wins (37). For Moose Jaw, Cam Braes is 18th in scoring (76). Cody Beach leads the league in PIMs (208).  Luke Siemens is 4th in GAA (2.52) and 4th in wins (33). 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.

Monday, March 5, 2012

WHL Top Ten #21

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 #21

Review: The Oil Kings extended their winning streak to five games with a perfect 3-0 week.  They opened up with a 3-1 win in Cranbrook over the Kootenay Ice on Wednesday.  It was a tight affair which had a playoff atmosphere, Laurent Brossoit was fantastic, and the Kings capitalized on their opportunities.  That was followed up with a very tight 2-1 win over the Swift Current Broncos at Rexall on Saturday.  Krisitians Pelss netted the winner on a great shot with less than three minutes left.  Former Oil King Jon Groenheyde was solid for the Broncos in the loss.  Sunday at Rexall was another very tight game in which the Oil Kings beat the Blades 3-1.  Edmonton killed all eight power play including a couple five on threes in the third to secure the two points.

Wednesday Feb. 29- Win 3-1 @ Kootenay

Saturday Mar. 3- Win 2-1 vs Swift Current

Sunday Mar. 4- Win 3-1 vs Saskatoon

Upcoming: The Kings have three more games on this week's schedule.  Wednesday will feature the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, Edmonton and the Moose Jaw Warriors for the fourth time this year.  Then the Kings face their chief rival, the Red Deer Rebels in a home and home this weekend.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix (41)

Assists: St. Croix (57), Dylan Wruck (57)

Points: St. Croix (98)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (133)

Plus/Minus: St. Croix (+39)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (37)

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: Henrik Samuelsson 4 games (0-4-4), Michael St. Croix 3 games (2-1-3), Stephane Legault 2 games (1-1-2), Griffin Reinhart 2 games (0-2-2), Tristan Sieben 2 games (2-0-2)

Notes: The Kings head into the week leading the Eastern Conference with 95 points through 66 games, six points more than the Moose Jaw Warriors. Michael St. Croix entered the week 8th in WHL scoring with 98 points in 66 games. Dylan Wruck is tied for 16th in league scoring with 77 points in 63 games. The Oil Kings power play and penalty kill are both ranked second 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 Moose Jaw Warriors, Rexall Place, 7pm

Thursday-

Friday- @ Red Deer Rebels, Enmax Centrium, 7:30

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

Sunday-

Monday-

Saturday, March 3, 2012

GDB #65 vs Swift Current

Oil Kings (64 42-15-3-4) vs Broncos (66 24-34-2-6)















The Oil Kings return to Rexall Place tonight to face the Swift Current Broncos for the final time this season.  Edmonton is coming off an impressive 3-1 win over the Kootenay Ice, Wednesday night in Cranbrook.  After a scoreless first period TJ Foster scored his 25th of the season in the second frame to put the Kings on the board.  Third period tallies from Tyler Maxwell and Jordan Peddle were enough to seal the W despite a late five on three goal from Max Reinhart.  Laurent Brossoit was outstanding being named first star stopping 32 of 33 Ice shots.  It was the third straight win for the Oil Kings.  Tonight they will wear special one-off sweaters, as they support Scouts Canada.


The Broncos are coming off a shut out win, 4-0 in Red Deer over the Rebels last night.  Twenty year old Brad Hoban led the way with a goal and a couple assists, former Oil King Jon Groenheyde made 45 saves for his second shut out of the season and career.  The win snapped a four game losing streak for the Broncos, it was their first regulation win since February 18th win they beat the Blades 8-3

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Season Series: Edmonton has taken all three previous games with the Broncos this year.  Last time these teams hooked up in Swift Current the game had a nasty end when Bronco Colby Cave finished a check on Mason Geertsen who was in an awkward position.  The hit sent Geertsen hard into the boards in front of the Oil King bench, Curtis Lazar immediately jumped in an beat up Cave as the trainers and doctors tended to Geertsen.  In the end it looked worse than the damage as Geertsen spent the night in a Swift Current hospital, but was released and only missed a week or so with a minor injury.  According to HockeyFights.com the Broncos lead the WHL with 85 fights, the Oil Kings are tied for second with tilts.

Up Next: Tonight marks the opening of the Kings final homestand of the season (they do have a one off with Red Deer next weekend as part of a home and home).  They will face the Saskatoon Blades tomorrow night before meeting the Moose Jaw Warriors in a showdown for top spot in the East on Wednesday.  The Broncos head back to Speedy Creek for a game with the Ice on Tuesday night.

Stretch Drive: The Kings have seven games left after tonight. Three at home (Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Red Deer), and four on the road (Red Deer, Kootenay, Medicine Hat, Red Deer). The Kings have clinched a playoff spot and lead the Eastern Conference by four points over Moose Jaw. They lead the Central Division by six points over Medicine Hat but have two games in hand on the Tigers.

The Broncos have five games left after tonight. Three at home (Kootenay, Prince Albert, Saskatoon), and two on the road (Prince Albert, Saskatoon). The Broncos are tenth in the Eastern Conference with 56 points. They have been eliminated from playoff contention.  They trail 9th place Red Deer by eight points, and are three up on 11th place PA.

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (39)
SC- Taylor Vause (35)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (96)
SC- Vause (78)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (36)
SC- Jon Groenheyde (21)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (129)
SC- Andy Blanke (154)

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: #22, Ryan Dech, Lower body, day to day

SC: #5, Jordan Evans, Upper body, 1 month+
#13, Shea Howorko, Upper body, week to week
#17, Adam Lowry, Upper body, 2-3 weeks

Photo: Edmonton Oil Kings
Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (96), Dylan Wruck is 16th (76). Defenceman Martin Gernat is 8th in rookie scoring (47) and he is 8th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 3rd in GAA (2.48), and is 3rd in wins (36). For Swift Current, Taylor Vause is 14th in scoring (78). Andy Blanke is 4th in PIMs (154).  Coda Gordon is tied for 6th in rookie scoring (50), Graham Black is 10th (39).  Reece Scarlett is tied for 12th in scoring amongst defencemen (45), Richard Nedomel is tied for 14th (43). 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.