The 8-5-0-1 Seattle Thunderbirds made their way up the central swing to face off against the 5-8-2-0 Edmonton Oil Kings. Seattle started Edmonton native Matt Berlin while the 2001 rookie net minder Boston Bilous got the nod for Edmonton.
Newly acquired Jantzen Leslie for the Oil Kings made his debut, paired with Will Warm on the top pairing to start the game. While for Seattle, 2017 2nd round pick Tyrel Bauer got to make his WHL debut (2002).
The first period started slow, as the Oil Kings really did a good job putting pressure on the Seattle defenders and hemming the game in the Seattle zone. Seattle found light at times but struggled to really push the play and get some good pressure going down low. No goals were scored in the first as the Oil Kings led in shots 12-5. Goaltender Matt Berlin did an excellent job tracking the puck and not allowing a whole lot of high quality chance with his mobility, with that the Oil Kings just struggled to capitalize on a couple power play opportunity.
Seattle came out a bit faster in the second, looked to stay disciplined and generate more offense. Midway through the frame, on the power play, veteran defender Austin Stand potted his ninth of the season off a one-time shot over the blocker of Bilous. The second was fairly back and forth, both teams finding power play time and getting pucks deep. Shots were 22-11 once again for the Oil Kings.
Edmonton pushed the pace to start the third and found their way on the board. Newly acquired d-man Jantzen Leslie scored his first goal in the WHL-a long awaited accolade for Leslie after spending 82 games over four seasons with Everett and Saskatoon. Leslie later commented on the goal saying “Goals come easier with guys like Trey (Fix-Wolansky) on the ice… shot hit a lot of bodies… found its way to the net”. Seattle regained their lead late in the period with a Zack Andrusiak goal-an open look in front that he put over the glove of Bilous. The Oil Kings couldn’t muster a goal late in the period, Nolan Volcan later picked up his fifth of the season on an empty net goal. Final shots were 31-18 for the Oil Kings.
The Oil Kings really did a good job dictating the play, putting pressure and finding even strength shooting opportunities but struggled to get more than one past Berlin. Coach Steve Hamilton commented on this saying “Hope is not a strategy”.
I really felt that this was a big game for Boston Bilous-he seemed much more confident today in his crease and really played well early. David Kope continues to impress. He just doesn’t seemed to do anything wrong in the offensive zone. Austin Strand and Turner Ottenbreit really anchor that Seattle blue line. They are two giants who play a polished two-way game, effective in all situations. Newly named team captain Colton Kehler looked much more confident and quick-getting most of the Oil Kings scoring chances.
Edmonton’s next game is on November 4th against the Saskatoon Blades.
Seattle continue their road trip taking on Moose Jaw on November 4th.
