GDB #39 @ Regina

Oil Kings (38 25-9-1-3) vs Regina Pats (39 20-15-3-1)

The Oil Kings wrap up their four game East Division road swing Sunday afternoon in Regina.  Edmonton is coming of a very impressive 7-1 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday night.  Netminder Laurent Brossoit made several huge saves, stopping 41 of 42 shots to earn his 22 win on the season.  Micheal St. Croix had a pair of goals and assist, Dyan Wruck had a goal and a couple helpers, while Stephane Legault, Cole Benson, Mitch Moroz, and Jordan Peddle all tallied for the Kings.

The Pats are also playing good hockey coming into the afternoon affair.  Regina beat Swift Current 4-1 on Friday.  It marked the 25th anniversary of the tragic Bronco bus accident that claimed the lives of Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka, and Brent Ruff.  The Broncos were on their way to Regina that evening.  On Friday Jordan Weal had a goal and four points and Dyson Stevenson had a pair of goals.

Another trade Saturday in the WHL.  The Prince Albert Raiders dealing their captain, 20 year old forward Brandon Herrod to the Kamloops Blazers for 17 year old centre Logan McVeigh and a 2nd round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.  The trade deadline is January 10.

Season Series: The Pats have taken all three meetings so far this season. They handed the Kings two of their three  home loses on the season.  Last time out Jordan Weal scored the game winner on a breakway with no time on the clock to snap the Oil Kings 11 game win streak.  This is the fourth and final meeting between the clubs this season. 

Next Up:  The Oil Kings return home after the game and open a three game stand Wednesday against Lethbridge.  The Pats play the third game of their four game homestand Wednesday when they host Prince Albert.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (22)
REG- Jordan Weal (21)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (60)
REG- Weal (58)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (22)
REG- Matt Hewitt (19)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (88)
 REG- Art Bidlevskii (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)

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

Injury Report:

EDM:#15, David Stephens, Upper body, 1 month +
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +

REG: #3, Brandon Underwood, Lower body, 2 weeks

Players away at International Tournaments:

EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada WJHC), Martin Gernat (Slovakia WJHC), Kristians Pelss (Latvia WJHC), Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, Tristan Jarry (Team Pacific U17)

REG: Morgan Klimchuk, Kyle Burroughs (Team Pacific U17)

Notes: Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 4th in league scoring (60), Dylan Wruck is 11th (50). Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 10th in rookie scoring (25),  Curtis Lazar is tied for 15th (19). Gernat is also tied for 14th in scoring amongst defencemen. Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.40), and is tied for 2nd in wins (22). The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is 3rd. For Regina, Jordan Weal is 7th in league scoring (58). Matt Hewitt is 8th in goals against average (2.70). Morgan Klimchuk is 12th in rookie scoring (24), Dominick Volek is tied for 17th (18). This is the fourth and final meeting between the two clubs this year. Pregame show at 12:45, the puck drops at 1:00 MT on the Team 1260.

GDB #38 @ Brandon

Oil Kings (37 24-9-1-3) vs Wheat Kings (37 21-14-1-1)

The Oil King`s continue their four game swing through the East division tonight in Brandon.  Edmonton fell 4-3 in a shootout on Wednesday night in Moose Jaw, in a fantastic back and forth hockey game.  Michael St. Croix and Rhett Rachinski had a goal and an assist each, Laurent Brossoit made 32 stops.  Tyler Maxwell scored to tie the game with 2:20 left in regulation.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Wheat Kings wrap up a four game homestand in which they have gone 2-1.  On Wednesday they edged the Regina Pats 3-2 in overtime on Ryley Miller`s third goal of the year.  Next up the Wheaties head to Saskatoon for a New Year`s Day game, while the Oil Kings face the Pats that afternoon.  Look for the Wheat Kings to wear their vintage uniforms tonight as well.

A couple more trades in the WHL to mention as we approach the January 10 deadline.  The Red Deer Rebels acquired 19 year old forward Charles Inglis from the Prince George Cougars in exchange for 18 year old forward Dalton Siwak and a 3rd round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.  The Rebels also dealt 18 year old forward Locke Muller and 18 year old defenceman Matthew Pufahl to the Blades for 17 year old defenceman Devin Fafard and a 7th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Rhett Rachinski.  The 20 year old South Side Athletic Club product is having a great season as an overager.  Rachinski has seen his role increase this year, playing on the top power play unit, killing penalties and taking all the team's key draws.  He has a career high 12 goals on the season, and has equalled his career high 26 points he posted last year.  He is riding a three game point streak (2-3-5) and centres the Kings effective energy line featuring fellow 20 year old Jordan Peddle and Klarc Wilson.

Photo: WheatKings.com

Brandon:  Jason Swryipa.  With Mark Stone away at the World Junior Championships Swryipa has stepped onto the top line for the Wheaties along with Michael Ferland and Brendan Walker.  The 18 year old Cochrane native is also being used in a PK role for the first time in his career.  Tonight he will play his 110th straight game for the Wheat Kings.

Season Series: The teams have split the previous two meetings this year.  Brandon won at home 3-2 on October 29.  The Oil Kings replied with a 7-3 win in Edmonton.  The Wheaties are back in Edmonton on January 27th.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (20), Tyler Maxwell (20)

BDN- Mark Stone (27)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (57)

BDN- Stone (65)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (17)
BDN- Corbin Boes (11)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (88)
BDN- Ryley Miller (67)

Drafted:

Mark Pysyk, TSN.ca

Mark Stone, TSN.ca

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)

BDN- Michael Ferland- Flames (5th round, 2010), Mark Stone- Ottawa Senators (6th, 2010), Darian Dziurzynski- Phoenix Coyotes (5th, 2011) Jordan Fransoo- Senators (7th, 2011), Brandon Anderson signed free agent- Washington Capitals.

Injury Report:

EDM:  #15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


BRN: #1, Corbin Boes, Upper body, 1 month+

Players away at International Tournaments:

EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada WJHC), Martin Gernat (Slovakia WJHC), Kristians Pelss (Latvia WJHC), Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, Tristan Jarry ( Team Pacific, U17)

MJ: Mark Stone (Canada WJHC), Alessio Bertaggia (Switzerland WJHC), Ayrton Nikkel (Team Pacific U17)

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 5th in league scoring (57), Dylan Wruck is tied for 11th (47).  Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 10th in rookie scoring (25), Curtis Lazar is 16th (19 points). Gernat is also tied for 13th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 5th in GAA (2.45), and tied for 2nd in wins (21).  For Brandon, Mark Stone leads the WHL in scoring (65), Michael Ferland is 11th (49).  Alessio Bertaggia is 3rd in rookie scoring (34).  Ryan Pulock (36) and Eric Roy (33) are 1-2 in scoring amongst defencemen.  This is the third of four meetings between the two clubs this year.  Pregame show at 6:15, the puck drops at 6:30 MT on the Team 1260.

GDB #37 @ Moose Jaw

Oil Kings (36 24-9-1-2) @ Warriors (35 22-9-3-1)

The top two teams in the WHL's Eastern Conference meet for the third time this season tonight at Mosiac Place in Moose Jaw.  The Oil Kings are coming off a 7-2 win in Saskatoon last night.  Michael St. Croix, Tyler Maxwell and Klarc Wilson all posted three points (1-2-3) in the victory. It was a bit of a sloppy game early, with both teams playing their first game back since the Christmas break.  Goaltending was a huge factor as once again Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit was outstanding stopping 43 of 45 shots.  Brossoit also set the franchise record for wins in a season with 21.  He passes Torrie Jung who won 20 in '08-'09.  The game marked the official halfway point in the season for Edmonton.  The Oil Kings have won 12 of their last 13 games.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Warriors will play their first game after the Christmas break tonight.  They were hot heading into the week off winning three in a row and four of their last five.  Moose Jaw has a six point lead over Brandon atop the East Division.  They will be without leading scorer Quinton Howden who will suit up alongside Oil King captain Mark Pysyk for Team Canada tonight against the Czech Republic in the World Junior Hockey Championship.  Due to that game on the Team 1260, tonight's Oil King/Warrior matchup can only be heard online at www.theteam1260.com.

There was a trade today as well in the WHL.  Prince Albert sent 18 year old goalie Eric Williams and 18 year old forward Todd Fiddler to Spokane in exchange for 19 year old centre Anthony Bardaro, 18 year old goalie Luke Lee-Kinght and a 5th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.  The WHL trade deadline is January 10.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Mitch Moroz.  Moroz is on a roll for the Oil Kings as of late.  He has goals in three straight games, including scoring the team's teddy bear goal against Calgary before the break.  Moroz has moved up to play on the club's second line with TJ Foster and Stephane Legault.  The 17 year old, Calgary product has shown he can play anywhere in the lineup, and contribute in different ways.  He has seven goals and ten points along with 66 PIMS on the season.

Photo: WHL.ca

Moose Jaw:  Justin Kirsch.  The 19 year old was picked up from Calgary this year and has become a key offensive component.  Kirsch has picked up 14 points in 12 games as a Warrior, including six goals in his last ten games.  He was acquired along with 20 year old Kenton Miller from the Hitmen in exchange for Collin Bowman, Joey Kornelson and a 4th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.

Season Series: The Oil Kings have won both meetings between the clubs this season.  They came from behind to win 3-1 at Mosiac Place on October 7th, and won a tight 2-1 affair at Rexall Place on October 19th.  Griffin Reinhart scored both goals in Edmonton.  Quinton Howden did not play in either game for the Warriors.  The teams round out their four game season series March 7th in Edmonton.


Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (19), Tyler Maxwell (19)

MJ- Quinton Howden (14)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (55)

MJ- Howden, Sam Fioretti (29)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (21)
MJ- Luke Siemens (18)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (88)
MJ- Cody Beach (99)

Drafted:

Mark Pysyk.  Photo: TSN.ca

Quinton Howdon.  Photo: TSN.ca

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:#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


MJ: #4, Morgan Rielly, Lower body, 1 month +

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Players away at International Tournaments:


EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada WJHC), Martin Gernat (Slovakia WJHC), Kristians Pelss (Latvia WJHC), Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, Tristan Jarry ( Team Pacific, U17)


MJ: Quinton Howden (Canada WJHC), Torrin White (Team Pacific U17), Carter Hansen (Team West U17)

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 5th in league scoring (55), Dylan Wruck is tied for 11th (46).  Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 10th in rookie scoring in the WHL (25), Curtis Lazar is 15th (19). Gernat is 13th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.44), and is 2nd in wins (20).  The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is 3rd.  For Moose Jaw, Tyler Vanscourt is tied for 17th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Luke Siemens is 6th in GAA (2.47).  This is the third of four meetings between the two clubs this year.  Pregame show at 5:45, the puck drops at 6:00 MT on the Team 1260.com.

GDB #36 @ Saskatoon

Oil Kings (35 23-9-1-2) @ Blades (35 20-14-0-1)

The Oil Kings hit the road in Saskatoon tonight to face the Blades.  It is the Kings first road game since November 23 when they visited Lethbridge.  Edmonton wrapped up the first half of the WHL season with an 11 game homestand, going 10-1.  They lost their last game out 6-5 to the Regina Pats on a last second breakaway goal by Jordan Weal.  Edmonton opens up their four game World Junior road trip, which stops in Moose Jaw, Brandon, and Regina after tonight.  Three new faces will be in the lineup for the Kings, who have six players away at either the World Juniors or U-17s.  Ryan Aasman, Braeden Johnson and Brendan Jensen will suit up for Edmonton.  Aasman is a WHL veteran with stops in Prince Albert, Seattle, Swift Current and Medicine Hat.  He is currently playing for the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL. Fellow Saint, Brendan Jensen will be the emergency backup goaltender.  He has played parts of three seasons with the Vancouver Giants.  Johnson has experience with Saskatoon, posting ten points in 62 games with the Blades.  He is now playing for the Battlefords North Stars of the SJHL.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Blades finished up the first half of the season on a three game losing skid.  They have only won two of their last ten outings.  They are coming off a 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Kelowna Rockets.  Al three of the loses were at the Credit Union Centre.  

Photo: Edmonton Sun

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Cody Corbett.  The just turned 18 year old Corbett will play his 20th WHL game tonight.  He will be relied upon heavily on this road trip with defenders away for the Kings.  Corbett has been a solid addition for Edmonton, adding a big shot, physical presence, and a smooth transition game to an already deep defensive core.  Corbett has posted three goals and 13 points and is plus six on the year.

Photo: Sheri Lamb/Prince Albert Daily Herald

Saskatoon:  Adam Todd.  The backup goaltender will be thrust into the starter's role with Andrey Makarov representing Russia at the World Juniors.  Todd has played just seven games over two years for the Blades.  He was pulled 3:20 into his last start after giving up two goals on three shots.  He faired well in his appearance against the Oil Kings earlier this month, allowing a goal on seven shots in a relief of Makarov.

Season Series: The teams have split their previous two meeting this year.  The Blades downed Edmonton 5-1 on October 8th in Saskatoon, while the Kings picked up an 8-3 win at Rexall December 4th.  The final matchup in March 4th in Edmonton.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (18), Tyler Maxwell (18)

SAS- Josh Nicholls (20)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (52)

SAS- Matej Stransky (36)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (20)
SAS- Andrey Makarov (18)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (76)
SAS- Lukas Sutter (78)

Drafted:

Laurent Brossoit.  Photo: Jason Franson/Edmonton Jou

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)

SAS- Josh Nicholls- Toronto Maple Leafs (7th, 2010), Duncan Siemens- Colorado Avalanche (1st, 2011), Darren Dietz- Montreal Canadiens (5th, 2011), Matej Stransky- Dallas Stars (6th, 2011)

Injury Report:

EDM:#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


SAS: #20, Josh Nicholls, week to week
#27, Brent Benson, day to day


Players away at International Tournaments:


EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada WJHC), Martin Gernat (Slovakia WJHC), Kristians Pelss (Latvia WJHC), Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, Tristan Jarry ( Team Pacific, U17)


REG: Andrey Makarov (Russia WJHC), Nick Zajac (Team West, U17)

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (52), Dylan Wruck is tied for 13th (45).  Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 10th in rookie scoring in the WHL (25), Curtis Lazar is 15th (19). Gernat is also tied for 12th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 4th in GAA (2.45), and is tied for 2nd in wins (20).  The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is 3rd.  The Oil Kings have not won in Saskatoon since September 25, 2009.  This is the third of four meetings between the two clubs this year.  Pregame show at 5:45, the puck drops at 6:00 MT on the Team 1260.

GDB #35 vs Regina

Oil Kings (33 22-8-1-2) vs Regina Pats (36 18-15-2-1)

The first half of the season wraps up for the Oil Kings this afternoon at Rexall Place.  The Kings continue to roll, coming off a 2-1 win over the Hitmen on Saturday night.  Mitch Moroz scored the teddy bear goal to tie the hockey game late in the first.  TJ Foster scored on the power play in the second and the Kings closed the door from there.  The win pushes the Oil Kings run to 11 straight wins, 10 of them on home ice.  They have 15 straight home games.

Photo:  Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Pats will be playing their third game in two and half days.  They downed Calgary 3-2 on Friday, before losing 2-1 in Red Deer last night.  Jack Rodewald score the lone goal.  Jordan Weal had a goal and assist against the Hitmen.

Photo:  Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: TJ Foster.  The 19 year old forward has been one of the Oil Kings most consistent players this season.  Foster has 16 goals and 37 points on the season so far and is riding a seven game point streak heading into this afternoon.  Foster's speed and finishing ability is attracting a lot of attention from scouts as the season progresses.

Regina:  Matt Hewitt.  The 19 year old guardian is the backbone of Regina's first half success.  Hewitt was down right sensational in the Pats two victories over the Oil Kings this season.  He has been a rock in goal for the Pats, after being an afterthought heading into last season.  Hewitt earned a backup role last year and wrestled the starter's job away from Damien Ketlo.  This year he is the Pats go to guy between the pipes.

Season Series: The Pats have taken both meetings so far this season.  They handed the Kings one of their two home loses on the season 6-3 in October, before winning 4-1 at the Brandt Centre in Regina a couple weeks later.  The teams will hook up again after on New Years Day in Regina.

Photo:  Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (18), Tyler Maxwell (18)

REG- Jordan Weal (18)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (50)

REG- Weal (51)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (20)
REG- Matt Hewitt (17)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (76)
REG- Art Bidlevskii (71)

Drafted:

Michael St. Croix

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)

Injury Report:

EDM:#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


REG: #3, Brandon Underwood, Lower body, day to day
#36, Nathan Zimbaluk, Upper body, day to day


Players away at International Tournaments:


EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada U20), Martin Gernat (Slovakia U20)


REG: 

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is tied for 8th in league scoring (50), Dylan Wruck is15th (43).  Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 10th in rookie scoring in the WHL, Curtis Lazar is tied for 15th (18). Gernat is also 12th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Gernat has left to attend the camp for Team Slovkia for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.  Captain Mark Pysyk will play for Team Canada.  Kristians Pelss has been named to the Latvian preliminary roster.  Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, and Tristan Jarry will play for Team Pacific at the U-17 Challenge in Windsor.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 3rd in GAA (2.33), and is tied for 2nd in wins (20).  The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is 4th.  For Regina, Jordan Weal is 7th in league scoring (51).  Matt Hewitt is 8th in goals against average (2.68).  Morgan Klimchuk is 14th in rookie scoring (21), Dominick Volek is tied for 15 (18).  Kyle Burroughs and Morgan Klimchuk will play for Team Pacific at the U-17 Challenge.  This is the third of four meetings between the two clubs this year.  Pregame show at 1:45, the puck drops at 2:00 on the Team 1260.

GDB #34 vs Calgary

Oil Kings (33 22-8-1-2) vs Calgary Hitmen (34 17-14-2-1)

The Oil Kings and the Hitmen hook up for the third time this month at Rexall Place tonight.  The Kings took the previous two meetings by a combined score of 12-3.  Edmonton is looking to push their winning streak to 11, coming off a 6-3 win over the Victoria Royals on Wednesday night.  Once again Michael St. Croix led the way with a goal and three assists.  Tonight also marks the annual Teddy Bear toss game at Rexall as well.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

The Hitmen lost a tight 3-2 game last night at home against the Regina Pats.  Calgary has lost four of their last six, but did pick up a point in an overtime loss to Lethbridge a couple nights back.

Players to watch: 

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton: Keegan Lowe.  The 18 year old, Carolina Hurricane prospect, will likely face the top players from the Hitmen tonight.  He has been paired as of late with Griffin Reinhart and the duo will be relied upon heavily in the coming games with both Mark Pysyk and Martin Gernat at World Juniors.  Lowe is adapting to playing the right side as well.  Look for him to be a physical force tonight for the Kings.

Photo:  Mike Drew/Calgary Sun

Calgary:  Greg Chase.  The 16 year old, first year Hitman, has been impressive in his visits to Rexall Place this season.  The Sherwood Park product, a teammate of Kings defender Mason Geertsen last season, has a goal and ten points this season in a mainly third line role.  He figures to be a big part of the Hitmen in the future, and has shown playmaking ability in the two games against Edmonton this year.

Season Series: The Oil Kings thave won both games by scores of 6-1, and 6-2, both at Rexall Place.  This is the final meeting this season in the City of Champions.  The teams will play in Calgary three times in the new year.

Photo: Andy Devlin/Edmonton Oil Kings

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- Michael St. Croix (18), Tyler Maxwell (18)

CGY- Victor Rask (16)

Points- EDM- St. Croix (50)

CGY- Cody Sylvester (36)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (19)
CGY- Chris Driedger (9)

PIMS- EDM- Keegan Lowe (72)
CGY- Spencer Humphries (70)

Drafted:

Kristians Pelss

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)

Victor Rask

CGY- Jimmy Bubnick- Atlanta Thrashers (6th, 2009), Brooks Macek- Detroit Red Wings (6th, 2010), Victor Rask- Hurricanes (2nd, 2011), Alex Roach signed free agent (Los Angeles Kings)

Injury Report:

EDM:#15, David Stephens, Upper body, week to week
#21, Travis Ewanyk, Upper body, 1 month +


CGY: None


Players away at International Tournaments:


EDM: Mark Pysyk (Canada U20), Martin Gernat (Slovakia U20)


CGY: Victor Rask (Sweden U20)

Notes:  Oil Kings forward Michael St. Croix is 8th in league scoring (50), Dylan Wruck is tied for 14th (43).  Defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 9th in rookie scoring in the WHL, Curtis Lazar is tied for 19th (17 points). Gernat is also 11th in scoring amongst defencemen.  Gernat has left to attend the camp for Team Slovkia for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.  Captain Mark Pysyk will play for Team Canada.  Kristians Pelss has been named to the Latvian preliminary roster.  Curtis Lazar, Mason Geertsen, and Tristan Jarry will play for Team Pacific at the U-17 Challenge in Windsor.  Oil Kings netminder Laurent Brossoit is 3rd in GAA (2.38), and is tied for 2nd in wins (19).  The Oil Kings have the second rated PK in the league, their PP is 4th.  For Calgary, Victor Rask is 7th in rookie scoring (29).  Rask has been named to Team Sweden for the World Juniors.  Greg    Chase will play for Team Pacific at the U-17 Challenge.  This is the third of six meetings between the two clubs this year.  Pregame show at 6:45, the puck drops at 7:00 on the Team 1260.