WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Sweep Defending WHL Champions

Published on March 30, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Cranbrook, BC - The Edmonton Oil Kings have advanced to the second round of the WHL Playoffs for the first time in the modern era. Edmonton advanced with a 3-1 win in game four of a 4-0 sweep of the defending WHL Champion Kootenay Ice. The Oil Kings pushed the pace early on and were rewarded with a power play marker just five minutes in. Oil Kings Captain Mark Pysyk wired a shot that bounced up off Nathan Lieuwen and found it's way to the back of the net. The goal was the Oil Kings Captain's first ever WHL playoff goal.

Edmonton controlled play for most of the game, out shooting the Ice 27-15 on the night.

Oil Kings overage Rhett Rachinski was able to bank a shot in off of Kootenay Allstar goaltender Nathan Lieuwen for what would be the game winner midway through the second. Rachinski would then add an empty net goal to give the Oil Kings the 3-1 win and the 4-0 series sweep.

Including the regular season Edmonton is currently on an amazing 15 game winning streak dating back to February 24th. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit had a brilliant series posting a 1.75 GAA and his first career WHL playoff shutout. 17 year old Rookie Curtis Lazar continues to lead the Oil Kings in playoff scoring with seven points.

Audio clips from Griffin Reinhart, Mark Pysyk, Rhett Rachinski, Laurent Brossoit and Oil Kings Head Coach Derek Laxdal are now available at oilkings.ca (http://oilkings.ca/page/oil-kings-audio)

Games 1 and 2 of the Oil Kings second round series are now confirmed and set for Friday, April 6 at 7PM and Saturday April 7 at 6PM. The Oil Kings second round opponent is still to be determined. Edmonton will play either the seventh seeded Regina Pats or the sixth seeded Brandon Wheat Kings. Regina currently trails their best of seven series 3-1 going into tomorrow's game in Moose Jaw.

Tickets for the first two confirmed games of the series go on sale TOMORROW - Friday March 30th at 10:00 a.m. and are available at oilkings.ca or by calling (780) 414-GOAL (4625). The 2012 Oil Kings Playoffs are presented by ATB Financial.

Oil Kings Season Seats for 2012-13 are on sale now and start at less than $14 per game. Fans can secure their seat for next season with a $100 deposit and as an added bonus, they'll receive the next round of playoffs FREE.

The 2012 Oil Kings Playoffs are presented by ATB Financial.

The Oil Kings 2011-12 season is presented by JLT, Insurance & Risk Management.

Edmonton (1) vs Kootenay (8) - Edmonton sweeps series 4-0

March 23 - Edmonton (3) vs Kootenay (0)

March 25 - Edmonton (4) vs Kootenay (3)

March 28 - Edmonton (6) @ Kootenay (3)

March 29 - Edmonton (3) @ Kootenay (1)

Check out the Edmonton Oil Kings Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from March 30, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central