The Edmonton Oil Kings seemed unstoppable on the seven-game winning streak that led them to their reign as the number one team in the WHL. However, this last week proved to be a reminder that wins still don’t come easy in this league and that any team can win on any given night. Since their dominant run was ended at the hands of the Prince Albert Raiders, the Oil Kings have gone a disappointing 1-2-1. This included dropping a 6-3 loss to the Raiders, losing a 3-0 third period lead to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a dramatic shootout fashion, and most recently being shut-out at home by the Tri-City Americans despite putting up 48 shots on net.
It’s not all negative for the Oil Kings, though. They were able to mix in a win against the Calgary Hitmen with a dominant effort, and despite the three losses, they still remain on top of the WHL standings. If anything, this can be viewed as a positive learning experience for Edmonton this early in the season. If the team wants to go far in this league, they have to learn to overcome adversity.
As head coach Brad Lauer put it after the loss to Prince Albert, “a little humble pie never hurt nobody.”
Update on Jacson Alexander’s Health
UPDATE: Jacson Alexander was released from hospital yesterday evening and is currently at home resting. We appreciate the concern from all our fans.
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) November 10, 2019
The fact that Alexander has been released from the hospital is excellent news for Oil Kings fans after witnessing a frightening scene during Saturday night’s match up versus the Calgary Hitmen where Alexander was taken off on a stretcher. There are no updates at this point on the severity of his injury or when he can slot back in the lineup, but thoughts and prayers are going out to the Oil Kings defencemen for a speedy recovery.
Dylan Guenther Update from 2019 U-17 World Hockey Challenge
The Top prospect Dylan Guenther is on! 2 goals at this point tonight. One in PK, One in PP. ??
??⚪️Vs ?? #WorldU17 #2021NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/bI0teDvf6J
— Benoit Belanger (@BenoitGBelanger) November 6, 2019
Guenther finished sixth in scoring among his Team Canada White teammates, putting up three goals in six games of tournament play. He played a prominent role in bringing Team Canada White to the Bronze Medal round, where they lost a heartbreaker 3-2 in overtime at the hands of the Czech Republic.
To check out all scores, standings, stats, and recaps from the tournament, click here.
Next Up:
The Oil Kings have the week off to recoup and get back on track. They then head south to Medicine Hat to take on the Tigers in what will be a true test of how the team can respond after a tough few weeks of play. Medicine Hat and Lethbridge are both closing in on Edmonton in the Central Division standings. The Tigers will be hungry to dethrone the Oil Kings after missing their opportunity to close the gap in points back on October 25th.
After that game, the Oil Kings return home for a battle against the Brandon Wheat Kings before they head off for a travel-heavy B.C. road trip that will see them face off against the Prince George Cougars, Victoria Royals, Vancouver Giants, Kelowna Rockets, and Kamloops Blazers.
