Oilers win a shootout

The Okotoks Oilers last shot on goal went in the net to defeat the high scoring Spruce Grove Saints 9-8 on Sunday afternoon in Okotoks. The Saints were coming off a 3 game in 3 day trip to Southern Alberta and should have been ripe for the picking, but these guys showed why they are the highest scoring team in the league.

Leading the Oilers was Quinn Sproule, scoring 2 goals for the second straight game and chipping in one assist. John McInnis also had 2 goals for the hometown heros, as singles went to Nicholas Bell, Jeff Barrett with his first of the season, Chris Duszynski, Corban Knight with his team leading 7th goal and Andrew Singerhouse, also his first of the season, with the game winner at 19:51 of the third.

A very offensive first period saw the Oilers take a 4-3 lead as both teams scored 2 on the powerplay. Derek Rodwell set the tone early on as he belted an opposing player to the ice. No penalty there but referee Lance McKinnon was calling everything tonight and then some. The Saints outshot the Oilers 14-10.

The second period had both teams turn on the red light 3 times apiece as each team had one powerplay goal. Derek Rodwell got called for a phantom elbow and was tossed at the .38 second mark. A total of 18 penalties were called in the second period confusing the players and coaches even more on how the game is being called. The Spruce Grove Saints oushots the Oilers 12-9 but the Oilers lead after 2 7-6.

The scoring continues in the third. Star of the game Chris Duszynski scores at the midway point of the period to put the Oilers up 8-6, but the visitors score 2 quick ones to tie the score with 4 minutes to play. The oilers take a penalty and Spruce Grove score, but it's disallowed as the net was off. They keep pressuring, but fail to score. Then with 9 seconds left to play, Oilers Andrew Singerhouse scores his first of the season to secure the win.

Okotoks goalie Braely Torris looked a little shakey on a few goals, as did the Oilers defense, but you get these kinds of games once in awhile. I am sure coach McDonald hopes they are few and far between.

Scratches for the Okotoks Oilers were Brandon Hoogenboom, Tyler Matthews and goalie Steven Papciak from suspensions, Cody Dion, Justin Daigle and James Bannister with injuries.

The Oilers hit the road now with games on Wednesday, Sept 24 against the Calgary Canucks and the 30th against the Calgary Royals.