WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Pre-Season Invitational -Day 1 Results

Published on September 4, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


St. Albert, AB - There's a big difference between hockey players that are 15 years old playing against young men who are 20 years old and potentially entering their fifth season in the Western Hockey League. That was evident Saturday night as Swift Current Broncos veteran forward Stepan Novotny racked up 4 points including a hat-trick in the Broncos 5 - 4 win over the Oil Kings. It was the first game for both teams in Edmonton's 4th Annual Pre-Season Invitational presented by Elite Sportswear & Awards.

"There were a lot of good things to take away from tonight's game." stated Oil Kings Head Coach Derek Laxdal. "We like some things our forwards were doing in the offensive zone on the forecheck and we created a lot of offensive opportunities. We put a lot of pucks at the net with 53 shots. It was a good chance to see some of the guys in a real game atmosphere. You see the difference of a 20 year old playing against a 15 year old on some of the goals and that's what this tournament is all about."

"It's tough to get a guage after one game." admitted Oil Kings defenceman Mark Pysyk who will be headed to Buffalo Sabres training camp next week. "I think we had a great effort with a lot of pucks at the net. We were outplaying them for a lot of the game. We may have taken just a couple of shifts off and they capitalized on every opportunity."

The Oil Kings had goals from Josh Koper, Dylan Wruck, rookie Mitch Moroz and former Prince Albert Raider Jordan Kochan in a game that the Oil Kings had the lead for just 3:14. Andy Blanke was the only other Bronco to score in the contest.

The Oil Kings split their goaltending duties with 15 year old Tristan Jarry playing about half the game stopping 13 of 15 shots. Cam Lanigan allowed 3 goals on the 7 shots he faced.

In the earlier game, Prince George got by Medicine Hat 3 - 1. (Click here for summary) The Cougars got goals from former number one bantam draft pick Alex Forsberg and NHL first round draft pick Brett Connolly.

The tournament continues Sunday with games at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prince George will play Swift Current followed by the Oil Kings contest against the Tigers. A day pass for the tournament is only $10 and they are available at the door or online at oilkings.ca.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 4, 2010


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