Oil Kings Close Out Invitational With Win Over Tigers
Published on September 6, 2011 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release
St. Albert, AB - All five goals scored by the Edmonton Oil Kings and Medicine Hat Tigers on Monday night came on the power play, with the Oil Kings scoring one more than their provincial rivals en route to a 3-2 victory in the final game of the fifth annual Pre-Season Invitational at Servus Credit Union Place presented by Elite Sportswear & Awards.
The teams combined for 15 power plays, so it's no surprise every goal scored in the game came with the man advantage. Tristan Sieben, Michael St. Croix and Rhett Rachinski found the back of the net for the Oil Kings in the win, as they evened their 2011 pre-season record to 1-1 after Sunday night's 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Swift Current Broncos.
"This weekend was a great chance for us to see some of our younger kids in game situations," Oil Kings Head Coach Derek Laxdal said. "It's a big part of the building process for us as we prepare for the regular season. Our young guys will get lots of ice time and really have a chance to develop and take on bigger roles within our hockey club."
The host squad took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission after Sieben dove through the crease and converted on a rebound, with assists going to Mark Reners and Ashton Sautner. The dynamic defensive duo of Griffin Reinhart and Martin Gernat went to work in the middle frame, setting up both power-play goals finished off by St. Croix and Rachinski.
Edmonton held a 3-0 lead just 3:49 into the middle frame, but the Tigers clawed their way back the rest of the game and put two goals on the board, both scored by Rhyse Dieno. Both Oil Kings goalies were otherwise solid, as Laurent Brossoit made 14 of 15 saves in the opening 29:37, and Jon Groenheyde turned aside 18 of 19 shots in the remaining 30:23.
The Calgary Hitmen defeated the Prince George Cougars 6-5 in the first game of Day 2 at the Pre-Season Invitational, as Cody Sylvester netted the overtime game-winner, while Brady Brassart led all scorers in the game with three points. Sudden death was also needed in the afternoon tilt, as the Red Deer Rebels beat the Broncos 5-4 in OT, with Marc McCoy scoring the game-winner to complete his hat-trick.
Another successful Oil Kings Pre-Season Invitational is now in the books, and the team will continue practicing this week in preparation for two exhibition games against the Cougars this weekend. The first game is Friday in Prince George at 8 p.m. MT, and the teams meet again in Jasper on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 6, 2011
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- Saskatoon Blades Announce Preferred Flex Seating Section - Saskatoon Blades
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- Oil Kings Close Out Invitational With Win Over Tigers - Edmonton Oil Kings
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