Edmonton Oil Kings Drop Home Opener To Medicine Hat
Published on September 20, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings know how to put on a show. It was non-stop fun for nearly 8 thousand fans from start to finish for Enmax Opening Night. The only setback was that the hockey team didn't have as much fun after the game as they hoped after a solid effort but a disappointing 5 - 1 loss to the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers. It was an extremely tight game through 40 minutes and a quick goal for the Tigers to start the third period was enough for the visitors to take the momentum for good.
"That's the way we're going to play, we're going to be aggressive." explained Oil Kings Head Coach Steve Pleau. "Whether or not we score a lot of goals, I don't know, that remains to be seen. I certainly feel that if we work that hard, execute like that on the forecheck, if we're that good in our d-zone for 40 minutes that there's going to be nights where we're rewarded for our effort."
The night started off with a terrific rendition of the national anthem from Hollywood recording artist Jesse McCartney. The 20 year old nailed it and sent thousands of young fans to their feet when he finished the final note. He really put on a show during both the first and second intermissions performing songs from all 3 of his albums including the latest 'Departure'.
However, it was Tiger fans in attendance that had the first chance to cheer once the game started. Colton Grant scored the first goal of the season on a speedy Tigers rush up the ice where all 3 forwards played a key role in the play. Sean Ringrose started the play carrying the puck from his own zone to the Oil Kings blueline where he flipped it in for winger Bretton Cameron. His shot was stopped by Dalyn Flette but the rebound was neatly tucked home by a trailing Colton Grant. It was 1 nothing before the game was 5 minutes old.
The Oil Kings bounced back before the period was through and it was only fitting that the game's first goal was scored by their new co-captain Jeff Lee. It was a quick goal right after a Tigers' turnover. Tomas Vincour fed it to a streaking Lee who was able to gather the puck from his skates to his stick and fire a quick snap shot all in one motion. Ryan Holfeld kicked out a big rebound and Lee tucked home the backhand for Edmonton's first goal of the year. That's a much better start for Lee who took 18 games to score his first of the year last season joining the team later in the season coming from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2007 - 08.
Medicine Hat would make it 2 - 1 just over 5 minutes into the second period when they enjoyed a potential full two minute, two man advantage. They only needed :39 seconds to score. Bretton Cameron pounced on a loose puck after a back door play to Tristan King that didn't quite connect. The garbage goal turned out to be the game winner.
Defenseman Mark Isherwood extended the lead 86 seconds into the final period and Zdenek Okal really put the game out of reach about halfway through the third. Matthew Konan rounded out the scoring for Medicine Hat.
The Oil Kings won't have time to dwell on this loss. They host the Calgary Hitmen Saturday night. Don't forget it's Magnetic Schedule Night. The first 5000 fans through the turnstiles at Rexall Place will get a free Toyota magnetic schedule for the fridge at home.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2008
- Cougars shut out T-Birds - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Oil Kings Win First Of The Year With a Big Comeback Over Calgary - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Kelowna Rockets Acquire Goaltender - Kelowna Rockets
- Edmonton Oil Kings Drop Home Opener To Medicine Hat - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Canes take 4-3 shootout win in Home Opener - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Blazers Edge Silvertips 4-3 In Overtime - Kamloops Blazers
- T-Birds Lose Season Opener To Cougars - Seattle Thunderbirds
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