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.

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...

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.

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.

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.