Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Quick notes from the All Star game.

Just a couple of quick ramblings on this past weekend All Star game. Even though the South lost the game, a couple of Oilers have proven they are amongst the best in the league. David Civitrese was singled out as the fastest skater in the skills competition and Elliot Sheen got the best agility recognition.

Way to go guys !!

Oilers/Eagles cancelled game rescheduled

The game between us and the Canmore Eagles that was cancelled a few Saturdays ago because of a gas leak in their arena has been rescheduled.
The game will now be played in Canmore this coming Thursday, Jan 31. This on the heels of a back to back series with the Brooks Bandits this weekend has the Oilers playing 3 games in 3 nights.

Camrose Kodiaks fall to the Oilers

On this fridgid evening, both inside and outside of the Okotoks Centennial Arena, Canada's best junior team was shown why the Oilers are a force to be reckened with. Roaring out to a 2-0 lead after 2 powerplay goals, our boys held their own and made Camrose play from behind.
Only a fluke goal by the Kodiaks into an empty net in the second period, vacated by Brad Eisness as he went behind the net to stop the puck, but the puck made it into the wide open net somehow from the right wing boards.

Brad redemped himself in the third when he stopped a penalty shop to keep the game 2-1.

It was a very entertaining game from start to finish. As Camrose pressed to get the equalizer in the third, at the end of the game their frustration showed and a skirmish started in front of the Oilers net. A great set-up for the next match between these 2 teams next Tuesday in Okotoks.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

All Star Game(s)

I am not a big fan of All Star games. Sure, I watch them, but what do they mean? I like the other activities that an All Star weekend offers. Fastest skater, most accurate shot etc. But the game itself I can do without. They are played in an enviroment that is totally unlike "normal" game conditions. The hitting, checking and intensity IS hockey. You don't see that with all the stars playing.
The AJHL saw their All Star game played Saturday, and as an Okotoks Oiler fan, I thought our guys contributed quite well. David Civitrese with a goal and 2 assists in the first period looked promising, and Elliot Sheen with a goal at the end of the second and another goal at the end of the third showed himself well.
But what does it all mean?? mmmm I'm thinking........still thinking.....

Bring on Camrose on Tuesday. That game will have the intensity, hitting and checking that is needed in this game called hockey...

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The Eagles get grounded.

The Canmore Eagles threw a scare into our boys on Thursday night, but the Oilers soared to another win. The first period was all Canmore, but we came out tied 1-1 after an early goal by Carter Madsen. We started to take control of the game in the second, but neither team could score. David Civitrese scored the winner on a powerplay in the third. Once again, Brad Eidness made some great saves throughout the game to give the Oiler the change to win.
Now it's a break for the Allstar game, and back to action next Tuesday against the Camrose Kodiaks. A long awaited match, so lets fill the Centennial Arena.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Oilers start strong, Royals finish strong....

There I was, in front of the computer, waiting for the Royals/Oilers to start. The Royals broadcast live video and chat action during their games. But tonight, the game was not broadcast. The people that were on the chat were all asking what happened, and so did I. I felt robbed and disappointed. After 3/4 of an hour waiting to see if the video was going to come on (which it never did) I switched on our local radio station "The Eagle 100.9" and low and behold, the broadcast was on the radio. So I started to blog the game on the chat and was quite enjoying myself, trying to post the major happenings. The score was 4-0 for the Oilers, beginning of the second period. Then it happened. I must be a jinx. 4-1 Oilers. Second intermission, 4-2 Oilers, 4-3 Oilers and yes, you guessed it, 4-4. Into overtime. OT1 no scoring but Chris Duszynski takes a penalty and it carries into OT2 and yep, the Royals score and win in OT 5-4.
Braley Torris was in the net and made 27 saves and from what I heard, could not be blamed for the loss. Guess the guys get complacant and think that being up 4-0, the game is in the bag. Goes to show you the game is 60 minutes long and the guys can't take a shift off. Hopefully they learned something from this game and come out with a good strong 60 minute effort on Thursday against Canmore Eagles.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Lloydminister proves to be a hands full

Lloydminister Bobcats came to Okotoks on Saturday, Jan 19 on a 3 game losing streak. A win was more than needed. Someone forgot to tell the Oilers though, and they pulled out a 5-2 win. The score was not indicative of the play as the Bobcats played quite well. About 950 people saw the late game heroics of the hometeam. Carter Madsen was the sniper as he netted 2 goals. Bravo to the fans that braved the cold night and came out and cheered the hometeam on.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Oilers rob the Bandits

With 3 regulars out of the lineup, it showed in the first period of the Brooks game on Tuesday night as the Bandits took a 3-0 lead after a natural hat trick by Jarret Granberg. To the Oilers credit, with 2 goalposts and some average goaltending by Brad Eiseness, the game could have been tied after the first.
The second period was a good character building period as Okotoks scored twice and held a huge territorial edge.
The third period saw Amory Mudrewich score his third goal of the year and James Banister winning the game on the PP.
A good comeback win for sure, but the Oilers make it hard on themselves by getting behind in the first period. The third highest scoring team in the league, they have shown they can put the puck in the net. They are also the third best team in goals against, but at times, the defensive lapses have proved disasterous. With a little tightening up in their own end, we can give Camrose a run for their money for first.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Home and home with Canmore this weekend....NOT !!!!!

This was suppose to be a home and home series AGAIN with Canmore Eagles. Fridays game in Okotoks was a 4-2 win for the Oilers, but the win wasn't secured until the last 2 minutes when Brian Doust broke a 2-2- tie. Canmore played a great road game and could have walked away with the win, but after a few lapses throughout the Oilers game, and with good goaltending from Bradey Torris, we pulled off the W.
The return match was suppose to be on Saturday in Canmore, but a chlorine leak in the Eagles arena cancelled the game. No word on when or if a make up game is scheduled.
Next up are the Bandits on Tuesday night at home.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Oilers make one move at trade deadline.

The Okotoks Oilers sent defenceman Jordan McSwain to the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League at the trae deadline. Oilers Coach Dan MacDonald says it's a bit of a homecoming for McSwain who played midget in Notre Dame last season. The Oilers get future considerations in return.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Good start to 2008

Now that all the turkey is eaten and the presents opened, lets turn our thoughts back to hockey.

Our Okotoks Oilers returned to action in the new year with a 3 game road trip where they managed to secure 5 out of 6 points. A 3-2 overtime loss to the Sherwood Park Crusaders was the only point lost to start 2008. The next day the boys came away with a 5-2 win over the Spruce Grove Saints and then a 8-0 shellacing of the Grizzlies finished off the road trip.

Can't wait until Fridays game against the Canmore at home. It seems like such a long time since we have seen a game in town. The guys are rolling along quite nicely. Coach Dan McDonald has the guys playing with confidence and have greatly improved their defensive play.