Andy Devlin

Oil Kings defeat ICE 4-1 to launch back into first place in the WHL

Edmonton recently forfeited their reign of first place in the WHL to the red-hot Portland Winterhawks, a title the Oil Kings have held onto for the majority of the season. Saturday against the ICE, they had an opportunity to put together a three-game win streak and regain their spot on top of the WHL.

Winnipeg didn’t plan on rolling over for one of the top teams in the league in a Saturday night matchup. The ICE have had a pleasantly surprising successful season thus far, with a record of 29-19-1. They are one of the top up and coming young teams in Western hockey and prove to be a dangerous opponent that can strike at any time. Coming into the night, the Prince Albert Raiders had a chance to extend their lead for the East Division. They did just that as after a 4-1 win in Swift Current, they are four points above the young ICE.

The first period was a tight battle between the two clubs with both teams limiting the opposition to few scoring opportunities and finishing with a close shot total.

Riley Sawchuk celebrates a goal (Photo-Andy Devlin)

However, in the second period, the Oil Kings Kings came to life. It started with a perfectly executed passing play between Riley Sawchuk, Dylan Guenther, and Carter Souch. The trio entered the offensive zone with speed and went tic-tac-toe to put Winnipeg’s defenders in an array, resulting in a tap-in goal for Souch into a wide-open net.

Following soon after, Edmonton was able to get to make the ICE pay while on the power play. Sawchuk tee’d up in his kitchen right above the circles and rocketed home a one-timer past Liam Hughes to execute on the 5-on-3 man advantage — giving the Oil Kings a 2-0 lead.

The Oil Kings asserted their dominance in the second frame, connecting for two goals and creating a buzz of opportunities in front of the ICE net. They headed into the final period of the game out-shooting the opposition 25-14 and with a firm handle on the momentum of the game.

The power play was able to add to the Oil Kings lead once again, with Matthew Robertson releasing a quick shot from the point that found the stick of Ethan McIndoe in front, who deflected the puck past Hughes to give the Oil Kings a controlling 3-0 lead in the third period.

However, the ICE were able to claw their way back into the game before the final buzzer went. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Michal Teply scored a slick behind the back goal from his knees to net a highlight-reel goal and get the ICE on the scoreboard.

The third-period goal by Winnipeg amped up the intensity from both teams, and tempers visibly began to flair up as the game wore on. Jalen Luypen and Karter Prosofsky eventually took exception for the physical exchanges and decided to drop the gloves in a spirited fight.

Jake Neighbours (Photo-Andy Devlin)

Winnipeg was right back in the game, but it all was a little too late — Jake Neighbours ended all their hopes of making a late comeback win when he sprung into full speed to win a race to a loose puck at center ice and go in all alone on an empty net — resulting in a final score of 4-1 for the Oil Kings.

Sebastian Cossa had a strong performance in the team’s return to Rogers Place after a successful Saskatchewan road trip. The 17-year-old netminder turned away 23 of 24 shots sent his way to earn his 19th win of the season and launch the Oil Kings back to the top spot in the WHL.

Sebastian Cossa stops Isaac Johnson in tight (Photo-Andy Devlin)

Oil Spill…

  • The three stars tonight were 1) Riley Sawchuk 2) Dylan Guenther 3) Carter Souch
  • Shots finished with a final tally of 39-to-24 in favor of the Oil Kings
  • Oil Kings PP: 2-for-3  |  Ice PP: 0-for-2
  • Dylan Guenther recorded a game-high of 7 shots on net

 

Next Up:

The Oil Kings continue their homestand as they welcome the 17-26-2 Red Deer Rebels to Rogers Place on Friday, February 7th. Get your tickets HERE.

-The ICE meanwhile started their three-game Central Division trip in first place in their division and after going 0-3, they are now in second with the Brandon Wheat Kings just one point back. They host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday for their next game.