The Week That Was - September 29th

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 the third. As good teams do, Whitecourt capitalized on their scoring chances, Fort McMurray didn't. I'm not overly concerned about how the game in Whitecourt ended, however, that doesn't mean there are not warning signs that need to be addressed.

The inability to score has been a source of pain for Oil Barons teams for a few seasons. Fort McMurray has been in the top half of the league in terms of goals scored three times over the last ten full AJHL seasons. That can be counterattacked with a good defence. The Oil Barons were in the top half of the league for fewest goals against six of the last ten seasons and are currently tied for the third fewest goals against, with Devon. Now the million dollar question is, what is holding the Oil Barons back offensively? Part of it are players being snake bitten. Ryan Arnold leads the team in goals with two, and nothing shows the lack of luck from the Oil Barons then Justin Dumais shooting at an empty net in Whitecourt, only for the puck to deflect over the goal. One big culprit is the lack of shots on goal. Fort McMurray is dead last in the AJHL with an average of 26.75 shots on goal. They were better about peppering the goalie on Friday, putting up a season high 38 shots against Preston Lewis, but overall the MOB have not done a good enough job of testing opposition netminders, and that's shown on the scoreboard.

A handful of Oil Barons made their AJHL debuts this weekend.

First up was the captain Drew Freer. The MOB missed his leadership on the ice. Drew is a player that can get under the skin of the opposition, while chipping in with a handful of goals throughout the season. In his first period back, the Calgary product deflected home a Jason Walia point shot and had an immediate impact on the game. Fort McMurray added some more WHL experience with the addition of Jaxen Gauchier. The young man from Peavine, Alberta plays with a bit of an edge to his game. While he didn't show up on the score sheet, Gauchier showed flashes of the brilliance he could bring the Oil Barons if put in the right position. He should be in the WHL and I won't go into details why he isn't. However, he can be a stand out for the Oil Barons. It was fun to get to see the 6'6" Ben Albers step onto the ice. I shared a story on the broadcast Friday about calling a game in the SJHL with Ben's older brother Nate. Ben is a guy who is mobile for his size and plays with some snarl. You can tell it's a jump for the McKinney, Texas man but the potential is high for Albers. Probably the player with the most eye-popping debut was goaltender Berney Weston. Forget about the six goals against, as most of those were towards the end of the game against Whitecourt. Weston is a battler in between the pipes. He has the ability to make the highlight reel saves and really should be in the WHL as well. If Berney continues to develop, Fort McMurray could have a solid one-two punch in net this season.

It will finally be home sweet home for the Oil Barons. For the first time since March 26th of last season, Fort McMurray will play at Centerfire Place. It will not be an easy test as Drumheller comes to town. The first thing you think of with the Dragons is Bradley Gallo. The third year forward leads the league with 10 points in four games, including back to back hat tricks to start the season. He is probably the most electric player in the league and the Oil Barons will need to be aware every time he's on the ice. They also have depth. Rookies Tyler Deakos, Matthew Hilderman and Jackson DeGraves all are producing at a point a game pace, while Sullivan Humeniuk is a dangerous point scoring d-man. Then there's Sean Cootes, a goaltender capable of being the best in the AJHL. To me, this is the most complete team in the league and they will look to spoil the party in Fort McMurray.

League Notes:

- Canmore is awake and alive! Since dropping the first two games of the season, the Eagles have won three straight. I questioned whether Canmore would find offence with all the departures from last season, the answer is absolutely they can. Right now the Eagles have the most goals scored with 27 in five games. Canmore has a very difficult schedule this weekend with Grande Prairie, Whitecourt and Drayton Valley all on the road. But if they manage two wins, in my opinion, they will be a contender in the South. 

- The CJHL Top 20 rankings came out for the first time today. I always exercise caution with these standings, as it is very difficult to compare teams across the Junior A circuit. However, in the debut rankings, Whitecourt came in at 3rd and Drumheller started in 9th. Both teams are very deserving of their rankings, with Whitecourt being 4-0 and Drumheller's only loss coming in a shootout. However, I'm surprised that Camrose didn't get at least an honorable mention, as they have been excellent at the start of the season.

- Do not fall asleep on Calgary and Devon. The defending national champions have only lost once this season. Grant Reid and Harper LoLacher have played inspired hockey to start the year, but the most impressive story is goaltender Noah Nelson. The former Oil Baron was considered washed up after he left northeastern Alberta but now he's back in his hometown and he has been terrific. His .927 save percentage is tied for second in the league, while his 2.40 goals against average is fourth. From talking with coaches in the league this weekend, Nelson is considered a goaltender that can be difficult to crack, and if there was a Comeback Player of the Year award, he would be the front runner. As for the Xtreme, they don't have a top end talent, but they are one of the hardest working teams in the league. Head Coach Taylor Harnett prides getting his teams to outwork the opposition and so far it's gotten them to second in the North. With a goalie capable of stealing games in Preston Lewis, Devon is no longer the easy two points they were a season ago.

Wrap Up:

It will be great to be back in Centerfire Place. No building in the AJHL is more fun to call games in when it's packed. It's hard to say what crowds will be like. Mid week games do not typically draw good crowds and I'm hoping this week will be the exception. Last season, Fort McMurray went 10-12-1-1 against the South Division. This season, the South looks even tougher. If the Oil Barons want to walk away with four points, they need to find goals and play a full 60 minute game. However you break it down, it should be must watch hockey at Centerfire Place.

Oil Barons Upcoming Games:

Thursday, October 2nd vs Drumheller 7pm

Friday, October 3rd vs Drumheller 7pm

All games can be found on the MOB Radio Network