Week #5 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.

Week 5 Review

Review: Last week saw the Oil Kings play three times, going 1-2-0-0.  The Kings took care of business at home home beating Everett 4-1 at Rexall Place on Wednesday night before dropping a pair of road games in Regina and Brandon.  Edmonton played well in both games, heavily outshooting the Pats in a 4-1 loss, and going right to the wire in a 3-2 loss against the Wheat Kings.

Last Week: Wednesday Oct 26- Win 4-1 vs Everett
Friday Oct 28- Loss 4-1 @ Regina
Saturday Oct 29- Loss 3-2 @ Brandon

Upcoming: A very light week ahead with just a date Saturday night with Seattle at Rexall Place.  It is the T-Birds lone trip to Edmonton this season and marks the return of defenceman Braeden Laroque who was dealt earlier this season.

Leaders: Goals: TJ Foster (7)
Assists: Martin Gernat (12)
Points: Gernat (18)
PIMS: Mason Geertsen (34)
Wins: Laurent Brossoit (8)

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

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.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Points- Michael St. Croix 9 games (4-9-13)

Notes: Goaltender Laurent Brossoit picked up his 2nd assist of the season in Brandon.  Seattle makes their lone appearance at Rexall Place this season on Saturday.  The Oil Kings will leave immediately following the game heading to BC for a four game swing.  They will make their first appearance in Victoria Tuesday night when they face the Royals.  Stephane Legault missed the previous roadtrip with an illness but skated today and should be back in the lineup Saturday.  Cody Corbett was +1 in his WHL debut in Brandon.

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-
Saturday- vs Seattle Thunderbirds, Rexall Place, 7:00 pm
Sunday-
Monday-

GDB #16 @ Brandon

Oil Kings(15 9-4-1-1) @ Brandon Wheat Kings(14 8-5-0-1)

The first instalment of the battle of the Kings is tonight in Brandon, Manitoba.  Both teams are coming off losses last night out.  Edmonton dropped a 4-1 decision in Regina while the Wheaties were downed 8-4 by Moose Jaw.  The Oil Kings played well in Regina, their lone goal was scored by Dyan Wruck in the third period.  The Kings outshot the Pats 40-27 but were shut down by Regina netminder Matt Hewitt who was the first star of the game.  

Meanwhile the Wheat Kings gave up five straight goals after opening the scoring at home against the Warriors.  Newly acquired goaltender Brandon Anderson gave up seven goals before being relieved by Corbin Boes.  The Wheat Kings have shuffled the deck early in the season acquiring Anderson from Lethbridge for goalie Liam Liston and defenceman Spencer Galbraith.  They have also picked up overager Darian Dziurzynski from Saskatoon.  

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Klarc Wilson.  The Edmonton product is off to a solid campaign for the Oil Kings playing in a mostly third line role.  Wilson, a former Wheat King, has a couple goals and five points so far on the season.  Never one to shy away from a scarp he also has 27 PIMS on the year.  Wilson attended Winnipeg Jets camp this summer as a camp invite.

Brandon: Mark Stone.  Stone is looking like a draft steal for the Ottawa Senators. The 2010 sixth round pick put up 106 points last season for the Wheaties.  He has picked up right where he left off, leading the WHL in scoring with 30 points in 14 games.  Stone has at least a point in each game so far this season.  His 14 assists also leads the league.  Look for Stone to be a big part of Team Canada at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.

Last Year: The Oil Kings took three of four from the Wheat Kings including a 9-0 win at Westman Place.  They scored five goals in 1:55 in the second period in that game.  The Wheat Kings made a huge splash last season dealing Brayden Schenn to the Saskatoon Blades near the deadline.  It looked like the Wheaties were in next year mode, but they went on a tear, being one of the hottest teams in the league down the stretch.  They ended up sixth in the east and bowed out in the first round to the Medicine Hat Tigers in six games.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster (7)

BRN- Mark Stone, Michael Ferland (10)

Points- EDM- Martin Gernat (17)

BRN- Stone (30)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (8)
BRN- Corbin Boes, Brandon Anderson (4)

PIMS- EDM- Mason Geertsen (32)
BRN- Ryley Miller (38)

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)

BRN- Michael Ferland- Flames (5th round, 2010), Mark Stone- Ottawa Senators (6th, 2010), Jordan Fransoo- Senators (7th, 2011)

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 16th in WHL scoring with 17 points.  He and Brandon's Ryan Pulock are tied for the scoring lead amongst defencemen.  Mark Stone leads the league in scoring and in the midst of a 14 game point streak. For Edmonton Michael St. Croix (3-9-12) has an eight game streak. The Wheat Kings are looking for franchise victory number 1500 here tonight.  A late lineup change may see Cody Corbett draw into his first WHL game.  Pregame show at 6:15, the puck drops at 6:30 on the Team 1260.

Oil Kings add defenceman

The Edmonton Oil Kings have officially announced the signing of 17 year old defenceman Cody Corbett.  Corbett, a Lakeland, Minnesota product, joins the team after playing in 19 games this season for Team Northeast in the Upper Midwest High School Elite Hockey League in Minnesota.  He has registered five goals and 18 points along with 24 PIMS this season.  Last year, playing for Stillwater High School, he was coached by long time NHL defender Phil Housley. 

Corbett is a late birthday (Dec 13, 93), and is eligible for this year's NHL entry draft.  NHL Central Scouting has him ranked on their 'B List' for Minnesota High School hockey prospects.  He has practiced a couple times with the Oil Kings, at first glance he appears to be a smooth skater, and has some nice hands.  Listed at 6'1 205, Corbett will don the #2 previously worn by the graduated Adrian Van de Mosselaer, and provides some nice depth for the Kings on the blueline.  Corbett made the trip to Regina with the team and is eligible to suit up tonight.  No word on if he will make his debut.

Here is a link to a video of a Corbett goal for Team Northeast.

Here is a scouting report on Corbett.

Oil Kings official release.

GDB #15

Oil Kings (14 9-3-1-1) vs Regina Pats (14 9-5-0-0)

The Kings kick off a quick roadie tonight in Regina.  Edmonton has won three straight and six of their last seven.  The lone loss was a two weeks ago at Rexall Place at the hands of the Pats.  Mark Pysyk led the way on Wednesday night picking up three assists in a 4-1 win over the Everett Silvertips.  Rookie Tristan Jarry stopped 20 of 21 shots in his first WHL start to earn the victory.  The Kings also officially announced the signing of defenceman Cody Corbett earlier in the day.  More on that here.

Regina dropped their last game 5-3 in Saskatoon, after taking both ends of a home and home with Prince Albert.  The Pats may be one of the bigger surprises so far this season.  They are a young team that competes hard every night out, playing a disciplined game under new head Pat Conacher.  Tonight's game will feature pink ice at the Brandt Centre as the Pats are hosting their annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night.  

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton:  Keegan Lowe.  The Carolina Hurricane prospect picked up his first goal of the season against the Silvertips last game out.  He, alongside defence partner Mark Pysyk has raised his game in the last few outings.  Lowe led the Kings in plus/minus last season (+33) and now sits at +2 so far this year.  Once again look for he and Pysyk to draw the top assignment defensively for Edmonton.

Regina:  Jordan Weal.  The Los Angeles Kings 3rd rounder is the Pats leader offensively.  He registered a goal the last time these two teams met, and has seven on the season.  Weal has always put up big numbers for the Pats, 70 points as a 16 year old rookie, 102 playing alongside Jordan Eberle in '09-'10 and 96 last season.

Season series: The Pats and Kings will square off four times in '11-'12.  The Pats took the first meeting 6-3 at Rexall Place.  The Oil Kings are 7-9-0-1 all time against Regina, including 3-4-0-1 at the Brandt Centre.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster (7)

REG- Jordan Weal (7)

Points- EDM- Martin Gernat (17)

REG- Weal (19)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (8)
REG- Matt Hewitt (9)

PIMS- EDM- Mason Geertsen (32)
REG- Art Bidlevski (28)

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)

REG- Jordan Weal- LA Kings (3rd, 2010), Brandon Davidson- Oilers (6th, 2010), Ricard Blidstrand- Philadelphia Flyers (7th, 2010)

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 12th in WHL scoring with 17 points.  He is tied for the lead in rookie scoring and leads D-men in scoring.  Regina's Jordan Weal is tied for 9th in WHL scoring (19 points).  Lane Scheidl of the Pats is tied for the lead in game winning goals (3).  Pats goalie Matt Hewitt is tied for the lead in wins with nine, Edmonton's Laurent Brossoit is tied in third (8).  Oilers draft pick Brandon Davison of the Pats has registered 14 points in 14 games and is tied for 3rd in scoring amongst defencemen.   For Edmonton Michael St. Croix (3-8-11) and TJ Foster (4-6-10) are riding seven game point streaks, while Curtis Lazar (1-4-5) and Griffen Reinhart (2-2-4) have points in three straight games. The Kings open a quick two game road trip in Regina tonight, and wrapping up tomorrow in Brandon.  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

GDB #14

Oil Kings(13 8-3-1-1) vs Everett Silvertips (13 3-8-0-2)

The Oil Kings wrap up their four game home stand tonight against the Everett Silvertips.  The Kings are 2-1 over their last three games and are coming off an impressive 8-4 win over the Portland Wnterhawks.  Eight different players tallied goals including Ashton Sautner's first WHL goal. Dylan Wruck had four points, and his line with Mike St. Croix and Curtis Lazar led the way with a combined 10 points on the night.

Everett plays game three of a season long nine game road trip here tonight at Rexall Place.  The 'Tips are a young squad featuring a pair of NHL drafted players in Kent Simpson and Josh Birkholz.  They ended a three game losing skid Sunday in Seattle, downing the T-Birds 5-1.  Bad news for draft watchers as potential top five pick Ryan Murray will not be in the lineup tonight after injuring his ankle.  

Players to watch:

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Curtis Lazar.  The highly touted 16 year old is growing in confidence in each WHL game.  Lazar is coming of his second multi point game this season, picking up three assists in the win over Portland.  Lazar now has nine points on the season but is impressing scouts with all round game, finishing checks and being in the right spot defensively.  Look for the Kings to use Lazar with  Wruck and St. Croix again tonight

Everett:  Kent Simpson.  The 19 year old Chicago Blackhawks prospect will likely be busy in his home town tonight for the 'Tips.  He has defeated the Kings in his last two starts against them, including last year's 3-1 win in Everett.  Simpson will be relied upon heavily while top defenceman Ryan Murray is out of the lineup.  Look for a strong performance in what could be Simpson's last appearance at Rexall Place as a junior.

Last Year:  The Silvertips took the lone meeting between the clubs last season 3-1 in Everett.  The Oil Kings  goal spoiled Simpson's shutout bid with less than 10 seconds left in the game.  It wasn't a pretty effort that night for Edmonton, the game closed out their four game US road trip.  Everett managed to finish 8th last season in the Western conference, but were swept out of the playoffs in the first round by the Portland Winterhawks.


Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster, Martin Gernat, Stephane Legault (6)

EVT- Tyler Maxwwll, Josh Birkholz (8)

Points- EDM- Gernat (16)

EVT- Birkholz (14)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (8)
EVT- Simpson (3)

PIMS- EDM- Mark Pysyk, Mason Geertsen (27)
EVT- Jesse Mychan (38)

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)

EVT- Josh Birkholz- Florida Panthers (3rd, 2009), Kent Simpson- Chicago Blackhawks (2nd, 2010).

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for the lead in rookie scoring with 16 points.  He is the overall leader amongst defenceman in scoring.  For Edmonton Michael St. Croix and TJ Foster are riding six game point streaks.  Ryan Murray is out for up to five weeks with a high ankle sprain.  Murray also missed the lone trip to Rexall place in 2009-2010 due to injury.  The Kings hit the road tomorrow heading to Regina where they face the Pats Friday night.

WHL Top Ten Week #4

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Week 4 Review

Review: It was a light week for the Oil Kings with just a pair of games.  Edmonton took care of business winning both, running their record to 8-3-1-1.  First up was a tight affair with the Moose Jaw Warriors.  The Kings battled hard to come from behind to down the Warriors 2-1.  Griffen Reinhart tallied both goals.  On Friday it was a wide open high scoring affair, as the Kings defeated the Portland Winterhawks 8-4.  Dylan Wruck, Curtis Lazar and Michael St. Croix led the way offensively with 10 points between them.

Last Week: Wednesday Oct 19- Win 2-1 vs Moose Jaw
Friday Oct 21- Win 8-4 vs Portland

Upcoming: The schedule picks up a bit with three games in four night this week.  Things start with the lone meeting this year between the Oil Kings and Everett Silvertips on Wednesday night.  Following that Edmonton will look for revenge against the Regina Pats Friday night in the Queen City.  The two game roadie wraps up with a date in Brandon with the Wheat Kings on Saturday.

Leaders: Goals: Martin Gernat, TJ Foster, Stephane Legault (6)
Assists: Gernat (10)
Points: Gernat (16)
PIMS: Mark Pysyk, Mason Geertsen (27)
Wins: Laurent Brossoit (8)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25. Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct. 8.

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.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1.

Streaks: Points- Michael St. Croix 6 games (3-7-10), Foster 6 games (3-6-9),

Notes: Everett makes their lone appearance at Rexall Place this season on Wednesday.  Ryan Murray will not be in the lineup due to an injury.  Meanwhile, Regina took the first meeting between the Kings and Pats 6-3.  It was the Oil Kings last loss. 

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 Everett Silvertips @ Rexall Place 7pm
Thursday-
Friday- vs Regina Pats @ Brandt Centre, 7pm
Saturday- vs Brandon Wheat Kings, Westman Place, 6:30 pm
Sunday-
Monday-

GDB #13

Oil Kings(12 7-3-1-1) vs Portland Winterhawks(11 6-4-1-0)

Game three of the Oil Kings four game homestand is tonight against the Portland Winterhawks.  The Oil Kings are 1-1 so far during the home stretch.  Edmonton is coming off a come from behind 2-1 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors on Wednesday night.  Griffen Reinhart accounted for both Edmonton goals, with bombs from the point.  It was billed as a a showdown between two of the 'Fab Five' of WHL defenders eligible for the upcoming NHL entry draft between Reinhart and fellow Vancouver product Morgan Reilly.

Tonight's matchup features another of the Fab Five in Portland's Derrick Pouliot.  The Hawks are coming off a bizarre 7-6 shootout win over Saskatoon in Portland Tuesday night.  They scored twice in the final ten minutes to tie the game before scoring on all three shootout attempts for the win.  Portland opens up a nine game Alberta/BC road trip here tonight at Rexall Place.  The Winterhawks boast a star-studded lineup of NHL drafted players including 2011 picks Joe Morrow, Ty Rattie, Sven Bartschi, and Tyler Wotherspoon. They are without Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Johansen who are still with their NHL clubs.

Players to watch:

Edmonton: Mark Pysyk.  The captain of the Kings and Buffalo Sabre first round pick has elevated his game recently in the young season.  He is still looking for his first goal of the year, sitting on five assists, but has taken charge offensively jumping into the play regularly.  Pysyk was involved in his first scrap of the year last game with Jordan Wyton of the Warriors.  The Oil Kings will need him and partner Keegan Lowe to have a solid effort defensively against some of Portland's high octane scorers.

Portland:  Joe Morrow. Like Pysyk, Morrow is a Sherwood Park product and a 23rd overall pick in the NHL entry draft.  Morrow had a fantastic camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins and, according to reporters in Pennsylvania, was very close to cracking the opening day lineup.  Morrow has six points in six games this season and possibly plays his last WHL game in Rexall Place tonight.  Morrow and Pysyk could suit up as teammates for Team Canada this winter at the World Junior Championships held in Edmonton and Calgary.

Last Year:  The Winterhawks took the lone matchup last season between the two clubs.  It was a tight affair at the Coliseum in Oregon, the Hawks built up a 3-0 lead before the Kings rallied to close the gap to one.  The Hawks iced it with a pair of empty netters to win 5-2.  Portland won 50 games last season and finished first in the WHL's Western Conference.  They played all the way to the league final, where they were eliminated by the Kootenay Ice in five games.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster, Martin Gernat, Stephane Legault (5)

POR- Ty Rattie (9)

Points- EDM- Gernat (15)

POR- Brad Ross (18)

Drafted:

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)

POR- William Wrenn- San Jose Sharks (2nd, 2009), Ryan Johansen- Columbus Blue Jackets (1st, 2010), Nino Niederreiter- New York Islanders (1st, 2010), Brad Ross- Toronto Maple Leafs (2nd, 2010), Troy Rutkowski- Colorado Avalanche (5th, 2010), Mac Carruth- Chicago Blackhawks (7th, 2010), Sven Bartschi- Flames (1st, 2011), Joe Morrow- Pittsburgh Penguins (1st, 2011), Ty Rattie- St. Louis Blues (2nd, 2011), Tyler Wotherspoon- Flames (2nd, 2011).

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is tied in 9th in WHL scoring with 15 points.  He is the overall leader in rookie and defenceman scoring.  Winterhawks forward Brad Ross is tied for fifth in scoring with 18 points, Ty Rattie and Sven Bartschi are tied for 6th with 17 points.  For Edmonton Michael St. Croix and TJ Foster are riding five game point streaks.  The Winterhawks feature eight US born players on their roster.  Nino Niederreiter has yet to suit up with the Islanders after suffering a groin injury in camp.  Ryan Johansen has gone pointless in three games for the Blue Jackets this season.

2011-2012 Oil Kings Goalie Masks

The new paint jobs are in for Oil Kings netminders Laurent Brossoit and Tristan Jarry.  Both masks are painted by Jason Bartziokas, who is based out of Calgary.  Photos courtesy of Rogan Dean of the Edmonton Oil Kings.  Brossoit uses as Lion design with an MS message on the back plate.  Meanwhile Jarry has an oilfield overun by zombie riggers.  What do you think?

Laurent Brossoit

Tristan Jarry

GDB #12

Oil Kings (11 6-3-1-1) vs Moose Jaw Warriors (9 6-2-1-0)

The Oil Kings continue their four game homestand tonight against the Moose Jaw Warriors.  Edmonton lost last time out 6-3 to Regina on Friday night, their first home outing since the five game trip.  It was a hard fought effort with Regina, the Kings came from behind to tie the game three times before giving up three straight in the third.  They have had a couple days off to recoup and had a couple solid practice days this week in preparation for tonight.

The Warriors haven't loss in regulation since Edmonton beat them 3-1, October 7th at Mosiac Place.  They are coming off a 3-2 win over Swift Current last Friday.  The Warriors are awaiting the return of Florida Panthers 1st round pick Quenton Howden who is out with an upper body injury.

Players to watch:

Photo:  Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Laurent Brossoit.  The Kings have relied heavily upon the 6th round pick of the Calgary Flames this season.  Brossoit has started every game but one and is second in the WHL in minutes played behind Tyler Bunz of the Medicine Hat Tigers.  Brossoit sits in a tie for third in the league in wins (6), ranks third in saves with 263 and 11th in GAA sitting at 2.47.  He allowed one goal on 23 shots last time these two teams hooked up.

Moose Jaw:  Dylan McIlrath.  A first round pick (10th overall) by the New York Rangers in 2010, McIlrath had a long stay at Ranger camp before being returned to the Jaw.  He is known for his bruising style (153 PIMs last year) and big shot, he can be an intimidating force on the blue line.  He has a pair of assists so far this season in five games.  Look for McIlrath to be involved all over the ice for the Warriors tonight.

Season Series:  The Oil Kings took took the lone matchup so far between these teams 3-1 in Moose Jaw.  They face each other four times during the WHL season.  This is Moose Jaw's first visit to Rexall Place this season.  Last year the Warriors won the season series 3-1.  

Leaders:

Goals- Edm- TJ Foster, Martin Gernat, Stephane Legault (5)

MJ- Brett Lyon (6)

Points- EDM- Gernat (15)

MJ- Lyon (13)

Drafted:

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)

Notes:  Defenceman Martin Gernat is 9th in WHL scoring with 15 points.  He is the overall leader in rookie and defenceman scoring.  For Edmonton Michael St. Croix, Gernat, and TJ Foster are riding four game point streaks.  The loss to Regina snapped a three game winning streak.  The King have one more game this week, Friday when they host Portland.  Warriors forward and first round pick Quinton Howden has yet play this season he was injured at Florida Panthers Camp.

Week 3 Review

Review: The Kings won two of three games last week to run their record to 6-3-1-1.  Edmonton wrapped up their big road trip with impressive wins in Lethbridge and Kootenay, before dropping their lone home game against the Pats.


Last Week:  Tuesday Oct 11- Win 5-1at Lethbridge
                   Wednesday Oct 2- Win 6-1 at Kootenay
                    Friday Oct 8- Loss 6-3 vs Regina

Upcoming:  It is a light week for the Oil Kings with just a couple games.  They will host Moose Jaw on Wednesday and welcome Portland on Friday.  The Warriors and Kings play their second of four meetings while it is the lone matchup with the Winterhawks.


Leaders:  Goals: Martin Gernat, TJ Foster, Stephane Legault (5)
               Assists: Gernat (10)
               Points: Gernat (15)
               PIMS: Kristians Pelss, Mason Geertsen (22)
               Wins: Laurent Brossoit (6)

Firsts: Game- Martin Gernat, Ashton Sautner, Cole Benson @ Red Deer, Sept 25.  Tristan Jarry @ Saskatoon, Oct. 8.


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

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1.

Streaks: Points- Michael St. Croix 4 games (2-3-5), Gernat 4 games (0-5-5), Foster 4 games (2-3-5), 

Notes:  The loss against Regina ended a three game winning streak.  Before the game the Oil Kings were alone on top of the WHL Standings for the second time in modern franchise history.  They were previously first in 2007 after they opened the season with a victory over Kootenay in the first game in modern franchise history.  Forward Colton Stephensen has left the team for an indefinite amount of time to return home to Saskatoon.  Stephensen suffered his 5th concussion in his career in the preseason.  He had been skating and was cleared to resume contact after being symptom free for over two 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 Moose Jaw Warriors @ Rexall Place 7pm

Thursday- 

Friday- vs Portland Winterhawks @ Rexall Place, 7pm

Saturday- 

Sunday-

Monday- 

WHL Week 3 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.

Also receiving votes- Portland Winterhawks, Red Deer Rebels

GDB #11

Oil Kings (10 6-2-1-1) vs Regina Pats (8 6-2-0-0)

The Oil Kings return home to Rexall place to face the surprising Regina Pats.  The Kings are coming off a very successful road trip that saw them earn 8 of a possible 10 points.  Edmonton is now alone atop the WHL standing for the first time in modern franchise history with 14 points in 10 games.  Edmonton wrapped up the trip with a very impressive 6-1 win in Cranbrook against the defending WHL Champion, Kootenay Ice.  Curtis Lazar had a pair of goals and once again Laurent Brossoit was steady, giving up one goal on 32 shots.


Regina is off to a fast start to the season as well with six wins in their first eight games.  New head coach Pat Conacher has really put an early stamp on the team, making every player accountable.  Last game out for them was Wednesday night in Calgary when Jordan Weal and Dyson Stevenson both scored in the final 2:50 to tie the score and force a shoot-out, which the Pats won.

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton:  Michael St. Croix.  The New York Ranger draftee had a bit of a slow start to the season with Edmonton.  He has hit stride though in his last few games and has once again become an offensive leader on the club.  He is the modern franchise leader in all time scoring (127 points) and the single assist leader (48).  St. Croix is currently riding a three game point streak (2-2-4).

Regina:  Brandon Davidson.The 20 year old captain is the veteran leader of the Pats.  He is an Oiler draft pick (7th in 2010).  Davidson has been very productive from the blueline for the Pats, registering 51 points last season and eight in eight games this season.

Last year: The Oil Kings had their way with the Pats last season going 4-0, and outscoring them 27-8 in the process.  Regina finished 10th in the East and missed the playoffs for the 3rd straight campaign.

Leaders:

Goals

EDM- Martin Gernat, Stephane Legault (5) 

REG-  Dyson Stevenson (4)

Points

EDM- Gernat (14)
REG- Jordan Weal (11)

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)


REG- Jordan Weal- LA Kings (3rd, 2010), Brandon Davidson- Oilers (6th, 2010), Ricard Blidstrand- Philadelphia Flyers (7th, 2010)


Notes:  Defenceman Griffen Reinhart will make his return to the lineup tonight after serving his 5 game suspension.  The Oil Kings were 4-1 without him.  Regina features 17 year old Chandler Stephensen, the younger brother of Edmonton's Colton.  Edmonton is 7-8-0-1 all time against the Pats.  Stephane Legault is riding a four game point streak (5-1-6).  Curtis Lazar is coming off his first ever two goal in the WHL.  Dylan Wruck registered three assists in Kootenay.  Tonights game opens a four game home stand for the Oil Kings.  Next up is a date with Moose Jaw on Wednesday.  Pats head coach Pat Conacher played 45 games for the Oilers in '83-'84.  Regina acquired 20 year old Matt Marantz from Lethbridge earlier in the week for a 4th round pick.  Regina's Dominik Volek is the son of former NHLer David Volek.  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

GDB #10

Oil Kings (9 5-2-1-1) vs Kootenay Ice (7 4-1-0-2)

The Kings wrap up their 5 game trip tonight at the RecPlex in Cranbrook, BC, facing the Kootenay Ice for the 2nd time in a week.  The Kings scored a convincing win last night in Lethbridge, downing the Hurricanes 5-1.  Edmonton had five different goal scores in a feisty game that featured five third period fights.  


The Oil Kings have played four times since their last matchup with the Ice on Oct 5th.  Meanwhile Kootenay has enjoyed a break in their schedule with just one game in Red Deer since the evening at Rexall Place.  Kootenay took that game 2-1 and have points in their last couple games.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Players to watch: 

Edmonton:  Rhett Rachinski.  The 20 year old Oil King vet has been off to a great start to the season.  Known as a defensive forward, faceoff man and penalty killer, Rachinski has added offence to his game this year.  He is coming off a three point night in Lethbridge and has posted 3-4-7 in 9 games this season.

Kootenay:  Nathan Lieuwen.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The 20 year old netwminder is a draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres.  He has been the backbone of the Kootenay defence, posted fantastic numbers again this year.  In six appearences he is 3-1-0-2 with a 1.30 GAA and a .952 save percentage.


Season series:  It was a very physical game in the first matchup of this six game season series.  The Oil Kings trailed 1-0 through 40 minutes, but TJ Foster's powerplay goal tied the score in the third.  OT solved nothing and the game headed for a shootout where Martin Gernat answered Kootenay's Max Reinhart's attempt with an absoloute beauty.

Leaders:

Goals

EDM- Martin Gernat (5) 

KTY- Max Reinhart (4)

Points

EDM- Gernat (13)
KTY- Joey Leach Elgin Pearce, Max Reinhart, Brock Montgomery (6)

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), Drew Czerwonka- Oilers (6th, 2010), Nathan Lieuwen- Sabres (6th, 2011)


Notes:  Defenceman Griffen Reinhart will not be in the Oil Kings lineup tonight as he serves the final game of his five game suspension for a knee on knee collision against Kootenay last week.  Brendan Hurley who received the Reinhart check is expected to mix 6-8 weeks with a lower body injury according the Ice.  Edmonton is 2-7-1-2 all time in Cranbrook.  Stephane Legault is riding a three game point streak (4-1-5).  Jordan Peddle registered his first point as an Oil King with an assist in Lethbridge.  Mitch Moroz has goals in back to back games.  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.