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.
