The Week That Was - November 24th

 It was a week full of tea and honey for myself as I continue to wrestle with this cough I've been battling over the last two weeks. Good news, I have the majority of my voice back, bad news I still am fighting coughing fits and don't have the full range of my voice, which is a bit frustrating. That said, the show must go on and what an interesting show it was for the Oil Barons.

When looking back at this weekend for the MOB, it could be one of the defining moments of the season. Fort McMurray found themselves in a bit of a slump, struggling to play to their identity and seeing the teams behind them in the standings catch up. After a loss against Devon on Friday (which was almost a carbon copy of the game in September between these teams) a wake up call was issued and the boys responded. It took almost two and a half periods to see the fruit of the MOB's labor, but what they got was the team's first come from behind win when trailing after two periods, a tie for second in the North with Lloydminster, and some momentum as the Oil Barons return home. With three monster games at Centerfire Place, including two against the Bobcats, this defining moment continues into the final week of November with Fort McMurray deciding if they are truly a contender in the AJHL.

The remarkable seasons for Ryan Arnold and Justin Dumais continue. Both are tied for the team lead in points. Both are fourth in the league's scoring race. Arnold is on a nine game point streak, while Dumais has points in four straight and has 16 points in his last nine games. Fort McMurray has received depth scoring this year, but their offence goes as far as their top players.

It's a testament to the type of season Fort McMurray is having, even though it hurts the team. Three players have recently been called up to the WHL. While it appears to be short stints in Saskatoon for Jaggar John and Ewan Gillis (although nothing is certain), Jaxen Gauchier could remain in Swift Current for the rest of the season. The Oil Barons have missed the presence of Gauchier. Jaxen was third on the team, averaging a point a game. He continued that pace with the Broncos (two goals and an assist in three games) while providing some veteran leadership to a young squad. For the Oil Barons, it's next man up. Newly added Cole Brown showed flashes of his offensive potential. Evan Benoit is on the verge of breaking out in his rookie campaign. Meanwhile, the team is looking for consistency from the likes of Cade Petersen, Drew Freer and Lucas McDonald. Pieces are there for the MOB, it's just a matter of who steps up. Plus, they wouldn't argue with the return of Gauchier, should it happen.

Around the League:

Bonnyville continues to impress. The Pontiacs are suddenly the league's hottest team, winners of four straight and ten of their last 13. The reason, the top scorer in the AJHL, Maxwell Pendy, and Christophe Lussier, who is currently third. Bonnyville's offence has been lethal, averaging 4.10 goals per game, sporting the second best power-play, not to mention having the best rookie in Gavin Harrison, despite him currently called up to Swift Current. The only thing that could hold the Pontiacs back is youth in net and defence. However, Bonnyville has shown they can outscore anyone in the AJHL.

The division races continue to heat up as we hit the heart of the season. Only nine points separate first from last in the South, with the division leader changing every week. Meanwhile, eight points separates Fort McMurray and Lloydminster in second place from last in the North, Devon. This is what hockey fans want. They want intriguing, entertaining playoff races and a competitive league. I believe these races will continue to the final day of the season. There will be a surprise team missing the postseason. Right now, it appears to be Grande Prairie, but Drumheller could slip too. Who knows how things will continue to unfold, but don't be surprised if both current division leaders fall out of their perch by the end of the year.

So, who is the best goalie in the AJHL? That is a question that has puzzled me as offences reigned supreme this season. At the start of the year I would've said Sean Cootes, Alex Scheiwiller or Spencer Michnik. Scheiwiller has been solid and is the clear number one in Canmore, but Cootes and Michnik have been disappointing, to the point it appears that Cootes lost his starting job and Camrose traded Michnik to Olds. At first glance, Elliott Pratt may be the front runner for top goalie. The Whitecourt netminder has the best goals against average and a .920 save percentage. He also benefits with playing behind the league's best defence. Calgary's Noah Nelson has been arguably the most consistent goaltender. Matthew Kondro was excellent for Lloydminster, to the point that he's been recalled by Red Deer and appears to be staying in the WHL. However, across the league, no one has eye popping numbers. We could see Fort McMurray's Brendan Gee separate himself from the pack. Drayton Valley's Archer Cooke has potential, while Devon's Preston Lewis has been flying under the radar. However, with the way this season has gone, choosing a top goalie will be a difficult task, unless someone elevates their game.

Wrap Up:

This week is huge for the Oil Barons. Three games at Centerfire Place, all of them against North Division foes, the first two against Lloydminster. In my opinion, this could dictate the way Fort McMurray's season goes. Sweep all three and you're in the contenders category. Win one or two games, and you're battling for playoff positioning. Lose all three, and you're back to the drawing board, potentially finding yourself on the outside looking in. Yes, it's early, but this is a big BIG week for the blue and gold.

Oil Barons Games This Week:

Tuesday, November 25th vs Lloydminster 7pm

Wednesday, November 26th vs Lloydminster 7pm

Friday, November 28th vs Devon 7pm

All games can be found on the MOB Radio Network