GDB #17 @ Swift Current

Oil Kings(16 9-4-1-2) vs Broncos(19 7-7-3-2)

The Oil Kings will look to regroup as they continue their six game trip tonight in Swift Current.  The Kings fell 3-2 to the Raiders last night after leading the game 2-0 in the first period.  Henrik Samuelsson and Dylan Wruck paced the Kings early, but the Raiders chipped away and gained momentum in front of a sold out barn at the Art Hauser Centre.  PA scored twice in the thrid and goaltender Luke Siemens was sensational to seal the victory.  Meanwhile the Broncos hosted the Seattle Thunderbirds last night coming from behind to win the game 4-3.  Adam Lowery lead the way with a goal and two helpers, and former T-Bird Chance Lund scored the winner shorthanded in the third.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Last Year-  Edmonton swept the four game series last season between the two clubs.  The Broncos were in the playoff mix for most of the season before finishing 10th in the WHL's Eastern Conference.  Swift won 27 games last year, when one of their best players, Adam Lowery, only played 36 games due to injury.

The Opposition: The Broncos are sitting at .500 through their first 19 games.  They look to be in a similar situation as last year, and will likely be in the mix for a playoff spot in the East.  They recently acquired Brent Benson from Saskatoon to add to their offensive depth.  GM/Head Coach Mark Lamb has built a nice core of defencemen led by Devils draftee Reece Scarlett and draft eligible Dillon Heatherington.




Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster, Michael St. Croix (10)

SC- Adam Lowey (9)

Points- EDM- Michael St. Croix (23)

SC- Lowey (21)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (6)

SC- Eetu Laurikainen (7)

PIMS- EDM- Travis Ewanyk, Keegan Lowe (43)

SC- Richard Nedomlel (38)

Next Up: The Oil Kings have a couple days off before they continue their trip in Kamloops on Tuesday night.  That game kicks off a stretch of four games in five nights that sees Edmonton face Kelowna and finish with back to back games in Prince George.  The Broncos kick off a home and home with the Raiders in Prince Albert on Wednesday.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Drafted:
EDM- David Musil- Edmonton Oilers (2nd, 2011), 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), Griffin Reinhart- New York Islanders (1st, 2012), Henrik Samuelsson- Phoenix Coyotes (1st, 2012), Mitch Moroz- Oilers (2nd, 2012).

SC- Adam Lowery- Winnipeg Jets (3rd, 2011), Reece Scarlett- New Jersey Devils (6th, 2011), Richard Nedomlel- Detroit Red Wings (6th, 2011), Graham Black- Devils (5th, 2012), Coda Gordon- Flames (6th, 2012)

Draft Watch (NHL Central Scouting Preliminery Watch List)

A Skaters- Curtis Lazar (EDM)
B Skaters- Dillon Heatherington (SC)
C Skaters- Cody Corbett, Edgars Kulda, Ashton Sautner (EDM), Colby Cave (SC)
B Goaltenders- Tristan Jarry (EDM)

Injury Report:

EDM:
#7 Setphane Legault, lower body, week to week

#28 Martin Gernat, upper body, indefinite

SC: #19 Shea Howorko, upper body, indefinite

Roster notes:

Notes: The Giants dealt Nathan Burns to the Blades in exchange for a '14 1st round pick, a '13 3rd round pick and forward Travis McEvoy.  Michael St. Croix is tied in 8th in scoring (23). Tristan Jarry leads the WHL in GAA 1.51. The The Oil Kings power play ranks 3rd, and their PK is ranked 1st. The Bronco's PP is ranked 6th, their PK is 8th. Tonight is one of ten games on the schedule. Pregame at 6:45, puck drop at 7:00 on the Team 1260.