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.