WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Strike Early vs. Raiders

Published on March 1, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


EDMONTON, ALTA. - The Edmonton Oil Kings scored early and often Sunday afternoon en route to a 5-3 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders at Rexall Place.

Brett Pollock had four points and Lane Bauer had three as the Oil Kings (29-28-4-2) jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead and never looked back.

"We were shooting the puck and getting traffic to the net," Pollock said. "Our coach wants us to go to the net and create second chance opportunities and that's exactly what we did to get that first one."

"I liked our early offence," said Oil Kings Steve Hamilton. "You start to feel a little bit because there's not the pressure weight in of when the first one's coming."

The Oil Kings hounded the Prince Albert net, firing 39 shots on goal, and crashing the Raiders crease and Pollock and Edgars Kulda both scored off loose pucks in front of the net.

"That first goal was a prime example: Eddie went hard to the net, and it gets us started. Simplicity sometimes is something you can embrace offensively," Hamilton said.

The line of Pollock, Bauer and Kulda contributed four of the five Edmonton goals and provided the offensive spark, firing 13 shots on night between the three of them.

"I think Lane Bauer and Polly and Eddie had a ton of jump today, and it was nice to get the power play a couple of early goals," said Hamilton, whose Oil Kings went 2-4 with the man advantage on a pair of power play goals from Pollock.

"I think our habits are good, and it's nice to see the productivity."

Mads Eller added the other Oil Kings goal, the eventual winner, while Tristan Jarry made 23 saves for the win.

Rylan Parenteau got the start for the Raiders, allowing four goals on 17 shots before being pulled for Nick McBride, who made 21 saves on 22 shots.

The Edmonton win was their first regular season victory over Prince Albert at Rexall Place since December 2011.

The Oil Kings and Raiders will rematch Tuesday night in Prince Albert. Game time is 6 p.m.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2015


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