The Week That Was - October 21st

 

Wow! What a weekend it was for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons! If you told me going in that the Barons would sweep three games in three days against Grande Prairie, with four veteran defenders out of the lineup and two affiliated players in each night, I would not have believed you. Yet that is exactly what the MOB did. Despite having Spencer Kunz and Patani Mutambo out due to suspension, despite having Willem Terwoord and Jason Walia out due to injury, despite having five rookie defenders playing every game this weekend, the Oil Barons found a way to sweep their first three in three weekend since 2018.

First you have to give kudos to goaltenders Logan Cunningham and Berney Wetson. Both netminders combined for 108 saves on 116 shots over the weekend, keeping their team in each game, while also shutting the door on the Storm. Cunningham's career numbers against Grande Prairie are stellar, including a personal .937 save percentage. Then there was Wetson's performance on Sunday....UNBELIEVABLE! Especially the highlight reel saves on Sunday when the MOB had no answer in the second period, he won that game for his team. 

It wasn't just the goalies who were terrific! Again, huge praise to the young defence core for elevating their game. But a special mention should be made for Ewan Gillis and Ben Albers. Ewan scored not just his first career goal, but three goals over the weekend including the game winner on Sunday. He was given an opportunity to succeed in every situation for the Oil Barons and he answered the call. Then there is Ben Albers. To me, no defender took bigger steps forward with his game than Ben. The Texas product had his struggles this season. Barely playing, several mistakes, it looked like he could be on the way out. But this weekend he showed why the Oil Barons signed him. Steady in his own end, playing with a little nastiness, smart with his breakout passes and rewarded with his first career goal. All while his parents were in attendance! It was a weekend to remember for Ben Albers.

I should also give some praise to the affiliated defenders. Damien Wiebe, Paulo Borrelli and Reeve Waugh did not look out of place with the Oil Barons. Each of them looked like they played with the MOB since the start of the year. What made it extra special was seeing Wiebe pick up two assists on Saturday with his father watching on.

What impresses me the most about this team and how everyone contributes to the team's success. Sure, early on we've seen Ryan Arnold, Justin Dumais, Jaxen Gauchier provide a lot of points. But it truly feels like every night there is a new hero for the MOB. Whether it's Ewan Gillis, Lucas McDonald, Drew Freer, Jaggar John, Fort McMurray has been getting production from everyone in the lineup and that has created one of the team's best starts to a regular season in years.

Around The League:
Matthew Kondro, take a bow. The Lloydminster goaltender has been stellar since returning from the WHL's Red Deer Rebels. Tied for the most wins by a goalie this season, second in goals against average, and yesterday named as the lone AJHL player in the NHL's Preliminary Draft Rankings as a 6-7 rounder. The St Albert product has been a large piece of the Bobcats' success and he is being rewarded for it.

That South Division is becoming something else. Only two points separate first from fourth and don't look now, but a fifth team may be joining that party. After a 3-1 win on Sunday, Calgary has now tied Drumheller for first in the division with two games in hand on the Dragons, while Camrose and Canmore are breathing down their necks. Coming into the season, I didn't know what to make of Calgary. So many players leaving from their national championship squad, the last minute coaching change on the eve of the regular season, it looked to be a disaster of a season but it has been anything but a disaster. They've added tons of players with WHL experience or WHL ties and they look to be a team worthy of defending their back to back AJHL titles. 

Meanwhile, the Drayton Valley Thunder are beginning to pick up steam. Rookie goalie Kaden Clegg has been a big part of their success, but Colson Ganser has 11 points in 10 games as a freshman, Taynton Lavender is having a sophomore season to remember leading all defencemen in points with 13, and veteran coach Jeff Truitt is getting this squad to gel together. The Thunder have not been an easy out in recent years, thanks to then head coach Geoff Walker, and it appears to be more of the same this season. With Drayton Valley only three points back of a playoff spot, this could turn into a battle royale by the time February rolls around.

Final Thoughts:
With no games this weekend for the Oil Barons, it's a perfect time to rest up and try to get ahead of the game. When Fort McMurray returns to action, they will have a stretch of six games in nine days. It should be interesting trying to get ready for that. 

How about those Blue Jays? First trip to the World Series in 32 years! I feel like I was in the same boat as most fans watching that game, thinking Toronto was toast before the Springer home run. It's amazing how one swing of the bat can change the entire game! Also, broadcaster Dan Shulman, a masterclass in letting the home crowd tell the story!

I also have to give a shout out to my fiance, Alexis. One year of being engaged yesterday and two months till the wedding! I know it's been stressful getting everything set up for our day, but it's a special season for the two of us! You have been the biggest blessing in my life! Love you hun!

Oil Barons Games This Week:
Fort McMurray has an off week and will be back in action on October 31st.


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