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 different goal scorers found the back of the net for the Oil Barons. Most of them were veterans who scored, but what was interesting was who tallied markers. Trennen Redlick's season opening goal was 10 seconds shy of being the first goal of the 2025/26 AJHL season, but for a guy who had three goals last year, it's an excellent start for the sophomore forward. And then there's the 20-year-old defenders. Two guys who combine for three career goals over 193 games. Cody Nordstrom and Willem Terwoord both put up tallies in Saturday's win. Depth scoring is important for this Oil Barons team, especially when they lack an elite threat.
When looking at the rookies, much like the weekend, it was a mixed bag. Jaggar John and Cash Brebant showed flashes of their skill. John's first career goal was a beauty, set up by Brebant. The turnovers over the weekend showed that both local kids are 16-year-olds in this league, but there is plenty of promise from two players who are looking to make their respective WHL teams next season. Evan Benoit had a notable weekend too. While not rewarded on the score sheet, the Calgary product looked right in place alongside Justin Dumais and Ryan Arnold. Benoit had a couple of opportunities on goal that were denied and made a terrific play that led to Dumais' goal on Saturday. There was plenty of hype surrounding Evan entering the season and it feels like it's only a matter of time before he breaks out.
A couple of Barons haven't made their season debuts yet. Newly named captain Drew Freer has been out with injury and remains day to day. Chase Campbell missed this weekend due to illness, he could be an intriguing addition to the lineup. Ben Albers is the lone defender yet to play. With Devon and Whitecourt on the cards, there's a good chance Sam Klassen could turn to the size and grit of the Texas product to counteract their North Division foes. Will we also see the first AJHL start of goaltender Berney Wetson? Cunningham has earned additional starts with his play this weekend, but there is a lot of intrigue in the Gull Lake, Saskatchewan product, who has three total games under his belt in the WHL and SJHL.
Looking ahead to the final two games of Fort McMurray's road trip, there are plenty of storylines. The Devon Xtreme took both games against the Oil Barons during the preseason and have made the Dale Fisher Arena a difficult building for the MOB. There are also several Oil Baron connections in Devon, which makes the games mean a little extra. Saturday will be the first time Fort McMurray visits the Whitecourt Wolverines. The Oil Barons season ended last year in heartbreaking fashion, a game 5 overtime loss in the playoffs. You know the MOB will want early revenge against what appears to be the early top team in the North.
League Notes:
-My goodness, Bradley Gallo! The Drumheller forward is on a mission this season. I know, don't overreact after the first weekend of a season, but eight points in two games including back to back hat tricks?! That is insane! This kid could be the league MVP and it's not even close.
-Whitecourt put the league on notice this weekend. Two scrappy wins over Grande Prairie, including opening night where their bus broke down. The Wolverines have a point to prove after the way their last two seasons ended. I know I sound like a broken record, but Shawn Martin has once again put together a dynamic team, and sweeping opening weekend against the Storm is no small feat.
-How good is Camrose? One would say very. Eight goals in each of their first two games with Bowen Grycan and AJ Schaaf leading the charge. Voice of the Kodiaks Tim Ellis said he wouldn't be surprised if both players end up over 30 goals this season and a lot of people have Camrose as a contender in the South. The only thing that makes me pause is the competition they were up against, as Olds and Drayton Valley aren't the strongest of teams. Do it against a Whitecourt, a Drumheller or a Grande Prairie, and this Kodiak team will prove they are legit.
Oil Barons Upcoming Games:
Friday, September 26th @ Devon 7pm
Saturday, September 27th @ Whitecourt 7pm
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