The Vancouver Giants (21-14-3-2) made their way out East to face the Edmonton Oil Kings (10-22-4-2). The Giants entered the game just four points out of top spot in the BC division, while the Edmonton Oil Kings look out of playoff spots and continue to rebuild. Goalie Josh Dechaine made another start for Edmonton, while David Tendeck got the nod for Vancouver.
Vancouver got off to a strong start in the first period with back to back goals. Edmonton Oilers prospect Tyler Benson opened the scoring with a tip in front of the net on a Ty Ronning shot. 2001-born player Aiden Barfoot increased the lead for Vancouver a minute after. The goal came off a Darian Skeoch shot whose rebound found Barfoot. Shots after the first were 15-8 for the Giants.
Edmonton was able to cut the lead early in the second period with a well-placed Brett Kemp shot, over the blocker of Tendeck. Sherwood Park native, Dylan Plouffe regained the two-goal lead for the Giants as he activated off the blue line and placed a shot over the block of Dechaine. Shots to end the frame were 22-21 for the Giants.
Edmonton came out hot in the third period and ended up tying the game and forcing overtime. Tomas Soustal started the comebac on a two-on-one with Trey Fix-Wolansky where Fix-Wolansky threaded a pass over and Soustal one-timed it past Tendeck. Conner McDonald tied the game midway through on another two one; this time with Scott Atkinson possessing the puck and making a beautiful play over to McDonald who made it count. Both teams had chances late but the game was sent to overtime. Overtime solved nothing and the game was headed to a shootout. Final shots were 40-39 for Edmonton
Shootout:
Edmonton – Tomas Soustal: Save
Vancouver – Ty Ronning: Save
Edmonton – Colton Kehler: Score
Vancouver – Tyler Benson: Score
Edmonton – Trey Fix-Wolansky: Save
Vancouver – James Malm: Save
Edmonton – Davis Koch: Save
Vancouver – Owen Hardy: Save
Edmonton – Brett Kemp: Save
Vancouver – Brad Morrison: Save
Edmonton – David Kope: Save
Vancouver – Dylan Plouffe: Save
Edmonton – Carter Souch: Save
Vancouver – Tyler Ho: Score
Vancouver Giants win the shootout.
Game Notes:
-’01 Edmonton Oil Kings prospect Aidan Lawson suited up in his first WHL game. He seemed tentative early but got more comfortable as the game progressed. Skating has really improved since training camp and shows upside to become an effective shutdown defender at the WHL level.
-The Oil Kings have consistently throughout this season came out strong in the middle period. It seems like something really clicks for them in that second period and all four lines turn it on. They were able to really apply some pressure and get more shots off.
-Edmonton really showed heart coming back in the third, something they haven’t done a lot of this year. Trey Fix-Wolansky really led the charge with consistency every shift, driving the offense as a catalyst.
Draft Eligible:
-Tyler Popowich – A big rangy forward who has the ability to attack laterally. Showed some skill in the offensive zone and willingness to compete physically. Still lots of room to grow and someone who is a project for NHL teams if taken late.
-Alex Kannok Leipert – The rookie really impressed, played a stay at home game but was able to identify passing lanes quickly and distribute the puck well out of his zone. An enthusiastic defender who plays physical and is strong in front of his net. Penalty kill option and someone who contains the rush well. Like him as a later round option.
-Bowen Byram (2019 NHL Draft) – One of the better 16-year-old defenders in the league. Bryam impressed from the drop of the puck. A player who possesses poise and vision, makes complicate puck movements look simple with his instincts. Strong transitionally, a player who has the precision and calm demeanor to do anything. Excellent defensively, had strong stick positioning that forced forwards to the outside and limited options. Can get up in the rush at times and can make things happen. Shows good consistency. Not a lot of flaws to his game.
