WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton Oil Kings Keep It Going On The Road

Published on October 1, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


Saskatoon, SK - It's turning into a pretty good week for Edmonton Oil Kings forward Brent Raedeke. He returned recently from his first professional training camp and brought back a freshly signed contract with the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. He's translated that confidence into a 4 game point streak including back to back game winning goals. Edmonton stopped a Saskatoon comeback and scored a pair of third period goals on their way to a 4 - 1 win over the Blades Wednesday night in Saskatoon.

The first goal for the Oil Kings was simply a product of hard work and an aggressive forecheck. Canoe Narrows, Saskatchewan native Craig McCallum did it all himself. He was the first Edmonton attacker into the Blades zone, shook of a check, stole the puck behind the net and walked out front for a bad angled shot and scored. It was 1 nothing just over 4 minutes into the game.

Edmonton would extend their lead before the period was through. Jeff Lee scored a beauty, top shelf, on a partial breakaway that started at the Blades blue line. Craig McCallum picked up his second point of the night and Adrian Van de Mosselaer added an assist. The powerplay goal gave the Oil Kings a 2 nothing lead after 20 minutes.

Rookie goalie Cam Lanigan was the story in the second period for the Oil Kings. The 16 year old Calgary native was making his second straight start after veteran Dalyn Flette started the first 5 games for Edmonton. Lanigan was busy in the middle stanza and was sensational early when the Blades were enjoying a lengthy 2-man advantage. The first year goalie made 18 saves in the middle stanza to give his team a chance at the win.

Saskatoon thought they had their first goal of the game about 4 minutes into the period. A 2 on 1 finished with a shot that bounced off Lanigan, deflected up in the air and off the chest or arm of Blades forward Curtis Hamilton and in the net. The referee immediately waved it off and ruled it no goal. Close call for the Blades.

The home team finally broke their goose egg in the 33rd minute. Vegreville's Chris Langkow opted to stay out for a long shift. His line mates went off for a change but he stayed on the ice which turned out to be a good move on his part. His shot from the top of the circle beat Lanigan up high. The powerplay goal made it 2 - 1.

They were just in the middle of announcing that goal when Burke Gallimore lead another rush for Saskatoon and just fired a quick shot on net. Lanigan wasn't quite ready for it and it beat him low on the glove side. Two goals just :16 seconds apart knotted things up at 2 goals apiece through 2 periods of play.

That set up the heroics from the Oil Kings top line late in the third period. Jeff Lee spotted a streaking Raedeke who was cutting through the middle. Raedeke got a quick shot away in the high slot and was able to beat Blades goalie Braden Holtby on the far side. Tomas Vincour picked up the second assist and the Oil Kings had the lead with just 3:45 to go.

Saskatoon would pull the goalie for the extra attacker but Edmonton did a good job of clearing the defensive zone. Tomas Vincour was able to chip the puck past the Blades defense and set up Jeff Lee for the empty netter to make the final score 4 - 2.

Edmonton's record improves to an impressive 4-2-1-0. They've picked up 7 out of 8 points in their last 4 games and find themselves at the top of the Central Division with 9 points.

The Oil Kings return home after this brief 1 game road trip to Saskatoon for Mullet Night this Friday against the Kamloops Blazers. The first 2500 fans to the game will receive a free mullet. Doors open at 6 p.m. The game starts at 7 p.m. Don't be late.

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 1, 2008


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