Dekker's Corner

Fort McMurray wrapped up their season opening four game road trip and found themselves at the end of it sporting a 1-3 record. The MOB suffered a 4-2 loss on Friday versus Devon, then a 6-2 loss against Whitecourt. The second period was the difference on Friday between an Oil Baron win and the loss. Devon flew at the MOB, and assistant coach Jesse Mattson felt like the Oil Barons stopped skating. Ultimately, it led to three goals against in the middle frame. What is even more disheartening, Fort McMurray dominated every statistical category, except for goals scored. The saying in hockey is that the games in September and October are easier to win than in February and March. That one is a contest that got away from the Barons. When talking to the coaching staff about Saturday's game in Whitecourt, they were happy with the first 40 minutes of the game. Fort McMurray stuck with the only undefeated team left in the league, virtually matching them in shots and only down 3-1 heading into...

Opening weekend is in the books and my goodness! Lloydminster's new rink earned the hype! The Cenovus Energy Hub is the new gem of the AJHL! Sure, they are still putting in the final touches (like setting up the road broadcaster with a FloHockey feed) but this arena has jumped to the best arena in the AJHL. Oh yeah, there were also a couple of hockey games to speak of! This weekend was a mixed bag for the Oil Barons, but they did manage a split against the Bobcats and have some elements to build on. For at least one weekend, Logan Cunningham responded to his critics. The Sherwood Park native had questions surrounding his acquisition, especially when trying to replace AJHL MVP candidate Vincent Filion. All Cunnigham did was stop 76 of 80 shots and post a shutout. The coaching staff also noted how motivated Cunningham looked in practice during the lead up to the weekend. Logan proved he is capable of being this team's starter, now let's see if he can do it consistently.  Six ...

The preseason wrapped up with Fort McMurray finishing with a 1-5 record. The team headed four hours southwest to the town of Slave Lake to battle the Grande Prairie Storm. Head Coach Sam Klassen made it very clear that he was not happy with the team's performance over the first four games of the preseason, and expected measured improvement in the team's final tune up. Defence and goaltending were turning into major concerns for the Oil Barons. By the end of the preseason, the MOB conceded over five goals a game, a stat that does not bode well for a team's success.   When looking solely at the two games in Slave Lake, there were several positives and concerns to take away.      - On the plus side was the play of the youngsters. Noah Kelly continues to impress with his tenacity and work ethic. Leading the team in points through the preseason, it would be a shock to not see him on the opening day roster. It was also the first look of Jaggar John in action for his hometo...

To say I'm glad hockey is back would be an understatement. Don't get me wrong, summer was fun with family time, seeing my younger brother get married, calling baseball games, etc. But getting to get back in the booth and broadcast the good ole hockey game provides a sense of calm and belonging. The action came fast and furious this week! Four preseason games in five days on the road put my voice right back into mid-season mode. The week also came with its own challenges (from unusual broadcast locations to my Rodecaster giving me grief), but again it was good to be back. For the majority of the four games this week, the MOB elected to go young and allow the prospects to battle for roster spots. It was a bumpy ride if you look at the results. The team went 0-4, outscored 9-22 in the process. That said, there were some positives to pull from the contests. Compete level was high from the team, the Oil Barons looked like a team that won't back down from a fight, and the boys do...

Happy Labor Day! As the long weekend comes to an end, the excitement builds in the AJHL. While some teams have already begun their preseason schedules, the Oil Barons open their games tomorrow night. With a week of practice over the past week, prospects and veterans alike will be looking forward to competing against other teams.  What is unique about the preseason schedule for Fort McMurray this season is the fact that none of their games are at Centerfire Place. They won't play a single home game until October 2nd. Action will come fast and furious early on with four games in five days. One would think the prospects will get plenty of looks this week with a small number of roster spots up for grabs at all positions. What spots are up for grabs? No one but the coaching staff knows for sure, but by looking at the returning players, you can make an educated guess. With five returning defencemen, there are probably three spots up for grabs on the back end. You know the team is definit...