GDB # 27 vs Spokane

Oil Kings (26 15-8-1-2) vs Spokane Chiefs (21 11-7-1-2)

Tonight the Oil Kings and Chiefs face off for the only time this season.  Edmonton comes into the game riding a three game win streak, coming off a 5-2 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday night.  Michael St. Croix and Tyler Maxwell led the way with two goals apiece.


The Chiefs are coming off back to back losses.  They fell 5-3 in Portland on Friday and lost at home to Prince George 5-4.    Spokane has played a league low 21 games this season, and sit 5th in the Western Conference.  They have yet to win on the road this season going 0-4-1-2.

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Cole Benson.  The 16 year old Benson has been used in mainly a defensive role so far for the Oil Kings. The South Side Athletic Club product has impressed in that role and is earning more ice time as his rookie season in the WHL progresses.  Benson notched his first goal in the WHL a few games back against the Raiders.  He also played a larger role last game out against the Hurricanes with a couple players out of the lineup.

Spokane:  Brenden Kichton.  The New York Islander draft pick is the offensive leader of the Spokane blue line.  With the graduation of Jared Cowen to the Ottawa Senators, Kichton has become the go to guy.  After an impressive year last season (23 goals, 81 points in 64 games), the Spruce Grove native has drawn a lot of attention.  His numbers are off last year's pace (3 goals, 20 points in 21 games) but he has earned an invite to Hockey Canada's upcoming selection camp for the World Junior Championships.


Last Year: Spokane took the lone meeting last year between the two clubs 4-3.  It was a very physical game that featured three fights and some huge collisions.  Spokane finished third in the West last year with 102 points.  They made it all the way to the Western final before bowing out to the Portland Winterhawks in six games.  The Oil Kings have never earned a point of the Chiefs (0-4-0-0).

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Tyler Maxwell, Michael St. Croix (13)

SPO- Anthony Bardaro (14)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (33)

SPO- Bardaro (26)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (13)
SPO- Mac Engel (9)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (55)
SPO- Darren Kramer (75)

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- Brenden Kichton- New York Islanders (5th, 2011), Dominik Uher- Pittsburgh Penguins (5th, 2011), Darren Kramer- Ottawa Senators (6th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM:  #3, Mark Pysyk, Upper body, day to day
#7, Stephane Legault, Upper body, 1 week
#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#16, TJ Foster, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


SPO: #17, Mitch Holmberg, Upper body, 1 week
#24, Cole Wedman, Upper body, 1 week

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 12th in league scoring (33). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 5th in rookie scoring in the WHL (22 points), Curtis Lazar is 14th (16 points). Gernat is also tied for 5th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Gernat has also been named to Team Slovkia for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.  Captain Mark Pysyk has been invited to participate in the selection camp for Team Canada.  Spokane's Brendan Kichton has also been invited by Canada.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 5th in GAA (2.43).  This is the only meeting between the clubs this season.  Edmonton has never beat the Chiefs (0-4-0-0).  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

WHL Top Ten #9

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

Week #9 Review

Review: The Kings got back on track last week going 3-0 in their three games.  Things opened up with a big time redemption win in Lethbridge 10-3.  Michael St. Croix led the way with a hat trick and five points.  Following that game the Kings acquired more offense, picking up 20 year old Tyler Maxwell from the Everett Silvertips.  Maxwell payed immediate dividends picking up an assist in a 3-0 shut out over Medicine Hat before registering a pair of goals in a 5-2 win over Lethbridge.  Laurent Brossoit made 27 stops for his first shut out of the year, third of his WHL career against the Tigers.  On Saturday Michael St. Croix picked up four points (2-2) in the victory over Lethbridge.

Last Week: Wednesday Nov. 23- Win 10-3 @ Lethbridge

Friday Nov. 25- Win 3-0 vs Medicine Hat

Saturday Nov. 26- Win 5-2 vs Lethbridge

Upcoming: The Kings play their lone matchup with the Spokane Chiefs on Tuesday.  They also open their six game season series with the upstart Calgary Hitmen on Thursday before meeting Saskatoon Sunday afternoon.  All games at Rexall Place.

Leaders: Goals: Michael St. Croix, Tyler Maxwell (13)

Assists: Dylan Wruck (21)

Points: St. Croix (33)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (55)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (13)

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 5 games (2-8-10), Michael St. Croix 4 games (6-5-11), Tyler Maxwell 2 games (2-1-3), Cody Corbett 2 games (0-2-2).

Notes: The Kings have welcomed Griffen Reinhart and Tristan Sieban back to the lineup in recent games.  There is anticipation that a couple more of the walking wounded could return this week.  Oil Kings Captain Mark Pysyk has earned an invitation to the Hockey Canada Selection Camp for the World Junior Hockey Championship.  Martin Gernat has made the Slovakian team, and it expected that Kristians Pelss will once again represent Latvia.  The 10 goals the Kings scored in Lethbridge is a new modern franchise record, they had posted nine numerous times.  The Kings and Hitmen play three games in 17 days before the Christmas break, all in Edmonton.  The Oil Kings are riding their third three game win streak of the season.

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- vs Spokane Chiefs, Rexall Place, 7pm

Wednesday-

Thursday- vs Calgary Hitmen, Rexall Place, 7pm

Friday-

Saturday-

Sunday- vs Saskatoon Blades, Rexall Place, 2pm

Monday-

GDB # 26 vs Lethbridge

Oil Kings (25 14-8-1-2) vs Hurricanes (26 6-19-0-1)

The Lethbridge Hurricanes make their first appearance at Rexall Place tonight.  The Oil Kings are coming off an impressive 3-0 shut out of the Medicine Hat Tigers last night.  Dylan Wruck, Michael St. Croix and Ryan Dech tallied for the Kings.  Laurent Brossoit made 27 stops for his first shut out of the season.


Meanwhile the Hurricanes are coming off a 5-1 win last night in Red Deer and have won three of their last four.  Captain Cam Braes led the way with a pair of goals and an a assist, while Damien Ketlo made 42 saves in the win.

Players to watch: 

Photo:  Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Mitch Moroz.  The 17 year old Calgary product has been effective so far this season in a mostly checking role.  Moroz is able to play both ends of the ice, deliver big hits, and chip in some offense.  He scored a power play goal last time out against Lethbridge, his third goal of the year.  He has seen his minutes increase in recent games and has risen to the challenge.  And he has, hands down, the best moustache on the team.

Photo:  Prince George Cougars

Lethbridge:  Nick Buonassisi.  The 19 year old was picked up from Prince George earlier this season.  So far as a Hurricane, he has picked up 10 points in 14 games.  Buonassisi plays a gritty game, and is replied upon for secondary scoring for the 'Canes.  He picked up three points last night in Red Deer.


Season Series: The Oil Kings lead the season series 2-1 so far.  This is the third meeting in a calendar week, and the first in Edmonton between the clubs.  Edmonton has 5-1 and 10-3 victories while Lethbridge posted a 5-2 win.  The teams will play six times this season, and faceoff again January 4th in Edmonton.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Kristians Pelss, Tyler Maxwell, Michael St. Croix (11)

LET- Brody Sutter (11)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (29)

LET- Cam Braes (21)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (13)
LET- Liam Liston, Damien Ketlo (3)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (53)
LET- Graham Hood (59)

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:  #3, Mark Pysyk, Upper body, day to day
#7, Stephane Legault, Upper body, 1 week
#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#16, TJ Foster, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +
#25, Tristan Sieben, Lower body, day to day


LET:#5, Daniel Johnston, Upper body, 1-2 weeks
#15, Michael Sofillas, Upper body, 1 month +
#16, Austin Fyten, Lower body, 1 month +
#26, Max Moline, Lower body, 1 month 

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 18th in league scoring (29). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 6th in rookie scoring in the WHL (20 points), Curtis Lazar is 12th (16 points). Gernat is also 7th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Gernat has also been named to Team Slovkia for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in the league in minutes played (1407), and is 5th in GAA (2.43).  This is the third of six meetings this season between the clubs, they have  met three times this week (November 19, 22, 26).  . The Hurricanes are in a six game stretch where they face two teams (Edmonton, Red Deer).  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

GDB # 25 vs Medicine Hat

Oil Kings(24 13-8-1-2) vs Medicine Hat Tigers(26 15-8-1-2)

The Oil Kings open their 11 game homestand tonight against division rival Medicine Hat.  The Kings are coming off their most offensive night in modern franchise history, scoring 10 goals Wednesday in Lethbridge.  Michael St. Croix led the way with a five point night (3-2).  Dylan Wruck and Ryan Dech both posted three assists in the game.  Griffen Reinhart made his return to the lineup and was plus three adding his fourth goal of the season.  The Kings also acquired 20 year old Tyler Maxwell on Thursday from the Everett Silvertips.  Maxwell is expected to make his Oil King debut wearing number 23 tonight.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Tigers play game five of a six game road trip tonight at Rexall Place.  They are coming off a 6-1 drubbing of the Prince Albert Raiders.  They are led by the two leading goal scorers in the WHL.  Emerson Etem has 26 goals in 25 games this year, and Hunter Shinkaruk has scored 25 times in 26 games.  Etem sits 2nd in league scoring with 50 points, five behind Brandon's Ryan Stone.

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Tyler Maxwell.  The 20 year old plays his first game as an Oil King tonight against the Tigers.  Maxwell is a goal scorer, he tallied 41 last season and has 11 in 19 games this year.  It will be interesting to see if Maxwell shows any rust, he has not played in about two weeks after requesting a trade out of Everett.  Look for him to get an opportunity with Michael St. Croix at times tonight, and Maxwell will shoot the puck from everywhere.

Medicine Hat: Tyler Bunz.  The St. Albert product and Edmonton Oiler draft pick is among the leaders in most goaltending categories in the WHL.  An athletic goalie, Bunz has fine tuned his game over the last season and the start of this year.  He is less prone to over commit on shots, and makes saves look easy.  Bunz is in a battle to be the starter for Team Canada in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.

Season Series: The Tigers are 2-0 against the Oil Kings this season.  They beat the Kings 5-3 in Edmonton on September 30, before rallying the next night in the Gas City to win 4-3 in a shoot out.  Historically the Kings have struggled against the Tigers, winning just three of the 28 meetings between the two clubs.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Kristians Pelss, Tyler Maxwell (11)

MH- Emerson Etem (26)

Points- EDM- Michael St. Croix (28)

MH- Etem (50)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (12)
MH- Tyler Bunz (14)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (49)
MH- Cole Grbavac (48)

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).

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Injury Report:

EDM:  #3, Mark Pysyk, Upper body, day to day
#7, Stephane Legault, Upper body, 1 week
#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#16, TJ Foster, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +
#25, Tristan Sieben, Lower body, day to day


MH: None

Notes:  Tiger forward Emerson Etem leads the league in goals (26) and sits second in points (50).  Etem has seven shorthanded goals, more than every team except for the Kamloops Blazers.  Hunter Shinkaruk is second in the league in goals (25), and sits 8th in scoring (36).  Edmonton's Michael St Croix is coming off a five point night and now sits 17th in scoring (28).  Oil King defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 5th in rookie scoring in the WHL (20), Curtis Lazar is 11th (16). Gernat is also tied for 5th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Tiger goalie Tyler Bunz leads the WHL in minutes played (1333), Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th (1247).  Bunz is tied for second in the league in wins (14), and is 6th in GAA (2.52), Brossoit is 8th (2.55).   To make room for Maxwell on their roster the Oil Kings placed 20 year old Josh Lazowski on waivers.  This is the third of six meetings this season between the clubs.  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

Oil Kings acquire Tyler Maxwell

Following their huge 10-3 win in Lethbridge, the Oil Kings made a move to acquire more offense.  They bring in 20 year old forward Tyler Maxwell from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for 16 year old defender Griffin Foulk and a third round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

Maxwell, registered 41 goals last season for Everett, and has 11 in 19 games so far this season.  He had been sent home from the Silvertips earlier in the season after requesting a trade.  In 216 career games, Maxell has scored 107 goals and 195 points.  He is a small speedy forward who will make his debut as an Oil King Friday against Medicine Hat.  The undrafted 20 year from Manhattan Beach, California is listed at 5'9 and 180 pounds.

Foulk was the Kings 8th round pick in the 2010 bantam draft.  The Colorado native has three goals and eight points for the Colorado Thunderbirds in Midget this season.

Maxwell was dangerous every time he was on the ice when the Silvertips came through Edmonton earlier this season.  He has the potential to be a game breaker for Derek Laxdal and the Kings.  He should help improve an already potent top six and provide options on the power play.  As mentioned earlier he was sent home by the 'Tips earlier this season to await a trade.  From what I have gathered from people n Everett, it was an a overager being frustrated and wanting to finish his WHL career in a place where there is the potential of winning, rather than being in a rebuild.  Maxwell is Everett's all-time leading goal scorer.  It was a position of strength for the Oil Kings who are very deep on the back end, and have some high end prospects in the pipeline.  There will be another move coming of some sort as the Kings now have four 20 year olds on their roster.  The WHL allows three.

GDB # 24 @ Lethbridge

Oil Kings (23 12-8-1-2) @ Hurricanes (24 5-18-0-1)

It's the last road game of the first half tonight for the Edmonton Oil Kings.  They return to Lethbridge for the third and final time this season, after losing 5-2 to the 'Canes on Saturday night.  Lethbridge came out on fire and played a very physical game against Edmonton and opened up a 3-1 lead by early in the third period. Josh Lazowski scored a power play goal to cut the gap to one, but Edmonton was unable to capitalize on a 5 on three advantage and the 'Canes went on to add a pair of goals to round out the scoring.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Ryan Dech.  The 18 year old has proven to be a very versatile player so far this season.  He is steady on the back end, and has been called upon to play the wing at times this season as well.  With some injuries on the blueline, Dech's role has expand and the veteran defender has stepped up this season.  Look for him possibly to play some forward again tonight in Lethbridge.

Lethbridge: Brady Ramsay.  The Calgary product is off to good start so far with the '.  Ramsay registered a hat trick last game to pace the Hurricanes to the 5-2 win over the Oil Kings.  So far he has 10 goals on the season, after registering one  in 57 games last season.


Season Series: The teams have split the two games so far this season.  Edmonton beat Lethbridge 5-1 on October 11th, before losing last game.  Both games so far have been at the Enmax Centre in Lethbridge.  The teams will play six times this season, and faceoff again Saturday night in Edmonton.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Kristians Pelss (10)

LET- Brady Ramsay (10)

Points- EDM- TJ Foster (24)

LET- Cam Braes (18)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (11)
LET- Liam Liston (3)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe(42)
LET- Graham Hood (52)

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:  #3, Mark Pysyk, Upper body, day to day
#7, Stephane Legault, Upper body, 1 week
#8, Griffin Reinhart, Upper body, day to day
#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#16, TJ Foster, Upper body, day to day
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +
#25, Tristan Sieben, Lower body, day to day


LET:#5, Daniel Johnston, Upper body, 1-2 weeks
#15, Michael Sofillas, Upper body, 1 month +
#16, Austin Fyten, Lower body, 1 month +
#26, Max Moline, Lower body, 1 month 

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is 5th in rookie scoring in the WHL (20 points), Curtis Lazar is tied for 13th (14 points). Gernat is also tied for 5th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 5th in the league in minutes played (1187).  Daniel Johnstone of the Hurricanes suffered an upper body injury in Saturday's game, as did Oil King TJ Foster. This is the third of six meetings this season between the clubs, they meet three times this week (November 19, 22, 26).  The Oil Kings open an 11 game homestand Friday night against Medicine Hat. The Hurricanes are in a six game stretch where they face two teams (Edmonton, Red Deer).  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

WHL Top Ten #8

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

Week #8 Review

Review: The Oil Kings earned a split in their two games last week.  A thrilling come from behind victory over the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday night at Rexall, then a disappointing 5-2 loss in Lethbridge.  The PA game featured a TJ Foster shorthanded penalty shot goal, Cole Benson's first WHL goal, and a Rhett Rachinski game winner with 5.5 seconds left.  The following night the Kings were downed in Lethbridge by the bottom dwelling Hurricanes who came out with a lot of energy.  The Hurricanes posted back to back victories for the first time this season, knocking of the Rebels on Friday before defeating Edmonton.

Last Week: Friday Nov. 18- Win 4-3 vs Prince Albert
Saturday Nov. 19- Loss 5-2 @ Lethbridge

Upcoming: The Oil Kings play their final road game of the first half of the season on Wednesday in Lethbridge.  They will open an 11 game homestand on Friday against the Medicine Hat Tigers then face Lethbridge for the third time in a week on Saturday.

Leaders: Goals: Kristians Pelss (10)

Assists: Michael St. Croix (16)

Points: TJ Foster (24)

PIMS: Keegan Lowe (42)

Wins: Laurent Brossoit (11)

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, Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8, Benson, Mason Geertsen vs Prince Albert Nov 18.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Dylan Wruck 2 games (0-2-2)

Notes: The Kings were without six regulars in Lethbridge. Mark Pysyk, Stephane Legault, Griffen Reinhart, David Stephens, Travis Ewanyk, and Tristan Sieban all missed the game.  TJ Foster left early for precautionary reasons.  Brandon Baddock made his WHL debut.  Tristan Jarry made his second WHL start.  Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, and Tristan Jarry will play for Team Pacific in the upcoming U17 Challenge in Windsor, Ontario. The Oil Kings open an 11 game homestand on Friday.

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-  @ Lethbridge Hurricanes, Enmax Centre, 7pm

Thursday-

Friday- vs Medicine Hat Tigers, Rexall Place, 7pm

Saturday- vs Lethbridge Hurricanes, Rexall Place, 7pm

Sunday-

Monday-

GDB #22 vs Prince Albert

Oil Kings(22 11-7-1-2)vsPrince Albert Raiders(23 5-16-1-1)

The Kings finally return to Rexall Place tonight to host the Raiders.  Edmonton struggled at times on their recent four game swing, going 1-2-0-1 in BC.  They are coming off a 5-2 loss in Kamloops on Saturday night.  The team has had some time off and a couple practices to prepare for the Raiders tonight before heading to Lethbridge tomorrow.  They may be without a pair of key defenders tonight, Mark Pysyk and Griffen Reinhart both have minor injuries.

The Raiders come in as one of the more perplexing teams this season.  They have only managed five victories on the season so far.  Last year they were a playoff team and gave first seed Saskatoon a run in the first round of the playoffs.  They Raiders have lost three straight and have one win in their last ten.

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Mason Geertsen.  The 16 year old defender has had a solid start to his rookie season in the WHL.  He has yet to register a point on the year, but has been reliable defensively, and has become a feared physical player.  Look for Geertsen to play a larger role tonight if Mark Pysyk and or Griffen Reinhart are unable to play.

Photo:  Prince Albert Raiders

Prince Albert: Justin Maylan.  The 20 year is off to a great start, leading the Raiders with 13 goals and 28 points so far this year.  Maylan is the prototypical 20 year in the WHL, a guy that can put up numbers and be a leader for his team.  With the rest of the Raiders off to slower starts Maylan has carried the ball.

Season Series: The Oil Kings took the first matchup this year in Prince Albert back on Sept 28, 4-1.  It was the Oil Kings first victory of the season, they controlled the game after scoring three goals in the first.  Justin Maylan registered the lone PA goal.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Kristians Pelss (10)

PA- Justin Maylan (13)

Points- EDM- Michael St. Croix (22)

PA- Maylan (28)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (10)
PA- Eric Williams (4)

PIMS- EDM- Mark Pysyk (41)
PA- Tyler Yaworski (66)

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.

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is 4th in rookie scoring in the WHL (19 points), Curtis Lazar is tied for 11th (13 points). Gernat is also 6th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is second in the league in minutes played (1127). Raiders forward Justin Maylan is 13th in WHL scoring.    Oil King Michael St. Croix, and Raider Mark McNeill  have  returned from the the Subway Series with Russia.  The Raiders have given up a league worst nine shorthanded goals.  This is the second of four meetings this season between the clubs. Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.

WHL Week 7 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 #7 Review

Review: It was a busy and rather unsuccessful week for the Edmonton Oil Kings.  Things got started right with a dominating win in Victoria over the Royals before dropping three straight to round out their BC road swing.  The Kings were defeated by the Giants in Vancouver, picked up a point in Kelowna in a hard fought shootout loss, and were soundly beaten 5-2 in Kamloops.

Last Week:  Tuesday Nov. 8- Win 8-2 @ Victoria
                    Wednesday Nov. 9- Loss 4-1 @ Vancouver
                     Friday Nov. 11- Shootout Loss 2-1@ Kelowna
                     Saturday Nov. 12- Loss 5-2 @ Kamloops

Upcoming: The Kings return to Rexall for just their eighth home game of the season Friday night when they face the Prince Albert Raiders.  They are back on the road in Lethbridge on Saturday.

Leaders: Goals: Kristians Pelss (10)
Assists: Michael St. Croix (15)
Points: St. Croix (22)
PIMS: Mark Pysyk (41)
Wins: Laurent Brossoit (10)

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, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov. 8.

Point- Gernat, Sautner @ Red Deer Sept 25, Tristan Sieben @ Medicine Hat Oct 1, Cody Corbett @ Victoria Nov 8.

Win- Tristan Jarry Oct 26 vs Everett.

Streaks: Krisitans Pelss has goals in back to back games.

Notes: Mark Pysyk, Michael St. Croix, and Griffen Reinhart have been selected to represent Team WHL in the Subway Super Series against Team Russia.  Pysyk is unable to play due to an upper body injury sustained in Kamloops.  Reinhart, and Klarc Wilson both missed the Kamloops game with minor injuries.  Michael St. Croix had his 12 game point streak snapped in Kelowna on Nov. 11.  According to the players' Twitter accounts, Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, and Tristan Jarry will play for Team Pacific in the upcoming U17 Challenge in Windsor, Ontario.  Three of Edmonton's next 5 games are against Lethbridge.

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 Prince Albert Raiders, Rexall Place, 7pm
Saturday- @ Lethbridge Hurricanes, Enmax Centre, 7pm
Sunday-
Monday-

WHL Top Ten #6

Late this week but here is the WHL Top Ten as chosen by an Edmonton media panel.

GDB #20 @ Kelowna

Oil Kings (19 11-6-1-1) vs Kelowna Rockets (18 5-11-1-1)

The Oil Kings continue their four game BC swing tonight in Kelowna.  Edmonton is 1-1 so far, dominating Victoria 8-2 in the opener before losing 4-1 in Vancouver.  Last time out the Giants dictated the pace against Edmonton, and controlled the Kings in the victory.  Griffen Reinhart scored the lone Kings goal in his hometown.  Michael St. Croix added an assist stretching his point streak to 12 games. The Oil Kings will look to rebound tonight in Kelowna before wrapping up the roadie tomorrow in Kamloops.

The Rockets have been struggling after a quick start to the season.  Kelowna opened the campaign with a 4-0-0-0 pace before struggling recently.  The are playing game five of a five game stand and are winless in their last five outings as well (0-4-0-1).  The Rockets have won two of their last 15.

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Kristians Pelss.  The second year Oil King sits in a tie for the team lead in goal scoring with eight (Stephane Legault).  Pelss is a threat to score each night, and has speed to burn.  An Oiler draft choice (seventh round, 2010), Pelss has added a physical edge to his game this year and has been involved in two fights this season.  He will be a key to the Latvian entry in the upcoming World Junior Championships after he led them back to the main pool last season.

Kelowna: Brett Bulmer.  He started the season in the NHL, suiting up in nine games for the Minnesota Wild before heading back to Kelowna.  Bulmer registered three assists in the show and has been off to a torrid pace this year in the WHL.  In three games he has a pair of goals and seven points.

Last Year: The Oil Kings were 1-1 with the Rockets last year.  The win was their first in modern franchise history over Kelowna.  The Rockets have an 7-1-0-0 all time mark against the Kings.  Edmonton will be looking for their first win in Kelowna tonight.  All time they are 0-3-0-2 at Prospera Place.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Stephane Legault, Kristians Pelss (8)

KEL- Colton Sissons (8)

Points- EDM- Michael St. Croix (22)

KEL- Shane McColgan (20)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (10)
KEL- Adam Brown (5)

PIMS- EDM- Mark Pysyk (39)
KEL- Mitchell Chapman (34)

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)

KEL- Brett Bulmer- Minnesota Wild (2nd, 2010), Shane McColgan- Rangers (5th, 2011)

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is 4th in rookie scoring in the WHL (18 points), Curtis Lazar is 10th (13 points). Gernat is also 4th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is third in the league in minutes played (1002).  Michael St. Croix (6-14-20) has a twelve game point streak.  Oil Kings Mark Pysyk, Griffen Reinhart, and St. Croix have been named to Team WHL for the Subway Series with Russia.  Brett Bulmer, Zach Franko and Colton Sissons will represent Kelowna. Rockets netminder Adam Brown was a camp invite of the Oilers this season. This is the first of three meetings this season between the clubs.  They will play in Kelowna again on February 15th before meeting at Rexall Place a week later.  For a more in depth look at the Rockets visit Regan Bartel's blog. Pregame show at 7:45, the puck drops at 8:05 on the Team 1260.

Week 6 Review

Review: The Oil Kings played just once over the last week, beating the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-1 Saturday night at Rexall Place.  The Kings received goals from Kristians Pelss (7), Jordan Peddle (1), Mark Pysyk (1) and Curtis Lazar (5).  The Kings spent the week practicing, and fighting the flu bug which made its way through the lineup.

Last Week:  Saturday Nov. 5- Win 4-1 vs Seattle

Upcoming: Things pick up again this week with a four game swing through the BC division.  The trip opens up with Edmonton's first appearance in Victoria where they face the Royals Tuesday night.  They visit Vancouver Wednesday, Kelowna Friday and wrap it up in Kamloops Saturday.

Leaders: Goals: TJ Foster, Kristians Pelss (7)
Assists: Martin Gernat (12)
Points: Gernat (18)
PIMS: Mason Geertsen, Klarc Wilson (34)
Wins: Laurent Brossoit (9)

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 10 games (4-11-15)

Notes: Mark Pysyk, Michael St. Croix, and Griffen Reinhart have been selected to represent Team WHL in the Subway Super Series against Team Russia.

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- @ Victoria Royals, Save On Foods Memorial Centre, 7pm PST
Wednesday- @ Vancouver Giants, Pacific Coliseum 7pm PST
Thursday-
Friday- @ Kelowna Rockets, Prospera Place 7:05 pm PST
Saturday- @ Kamloops Blazers, Interior Savings Centre, 7:00 pm PST
Sunday-
Monday-

GDB #17 vs Seattle

Oil Kings(16 9-5-1-1) vs Seattle Thunderbirds(13 5-8-0-0)

The Oil Kings return to action tonight after a full week off to face the Seattle Thunderbirds.   They have spent the week practising and resting some bumps and bruises.  The Kings are back at Rexall Place for tonight only then hit the road for BC.  Edmonton is coming off back to back losses on their trip east last week.  They played well in both games but couldn't bury their chances.  

Meanwhile the Thunderbirds make their lone appearance at Rexall Place this evening.  They are coming off a long night last night in Red Deer where they lost 8-2 to the Rebels.  Tonight was supposed to mark Braeden Laroque's return to Edmonton but he is day to day nursing an injury and may not play.

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Cody Corbett.  The newest member of the Oil Kings suited up in Brandon getting his first taste of WHL action.  The Minnesota High School product registered 18 points in 19 games this season for Team Northeast before joining the Kings.  The 17 year old defenceman is in his draft year, being a late birthday in 1993.  Look for him to jump into the rush and play the body tonight at Rexall Place.

Seattle: Calvin Pickard.  Look for Pickard to bounce back tonight after a rough outing in Red Deer, allowing five goals on 22 shots.  Pickard, the younger brother of Milwaukee Admiral tender Chet, is a Colorado Avalanche draft pick.  He will be called upon a lot this year if Seattle remains in contention for a playoff spot out west.  Last year Pickard played 68 games winning 27.  He finished with a goals against average of 3.36 and a .916 save percentage.  Pickard will suit up for Team WHL at the upcoming Subway Super Series.

Last Year: The Oil Kings took the lone matchup between the two teams, 4-2 in Kent, Washington.  The T-Birds had a 2-1 lead in the third period before the Kings beat Pickard for a pair of goals and closed it out with an empty netter.  The T-Birds finished last in the West last year with 64 points.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster (7)

SEA- Marcel Noebels, Burke Gallimore (6)

Points- EDM- Martin Gernat (18)

SEA- Noebels (10)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (8)
SEA- Calvin Pickard (5)

PIMS- EDM- Mason Geertsen (34)
SEA- Mitch Elliot (33)

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)

SEA- Calvin Pickard- Colorado Avalanche (2nd, 2010), Colin Jacobs- Sabres (4th, 2011), Marcel Noebels- Philadelphia Flyers (4th, 2011)

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is second in scoring amongst defencemen and third in rookie scoring. Michael St. Croix (4-9-13) has a nine game point streak.  Oil Kings Mark Pysyk, Griffen Reinhart, and St. Croix have been named to Team WHL for the Subway Series with Russia.  Calvin Pickard will represent Seattle.  The teams are each 2-2 in the four previous matchups.  Pregame show at 6:15, the puck drops at 6:30 on the Team 1260.