Oil Kings Lose 2-1 Despite Late Surge

Edmonton, AB - The Oil Kings could not overcome an early deficit as they suffered a 2-1 loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers on Friday. The loss was Edmonton's second in a row as their record fell to 30-11-2-3 on the season. The Oil Kings are now a single point behind the Hitmen for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Oilers draft pick Travis Ewanyk attempted to spark the Oil Kings play just two minutes into the game as he took on Medicine Hat's Tyler Lewington in a spirited tilt. Despite the early jump Edmonton came out flat to start the game as the Tigers opened the scoring on a 5 on 3 power play. Trevor Cox tallied on a slap shot from the point through traffic to give the visitors a 1-0 lead late in the first period. Edmonton was out-shot 11-5 in the opening period, but some steady goaltending from Tristan Jarry kept the game within reach.  

Edmonton's offensive struggles continued in the second as the Tigers added to their lead just past the midway point of the period. Elgin Pearce snuck the eventual game winner past Jarry from in tight to make it a 2-0 game.

The Oil Kings finally got on the board with under five minutes to play in the second. Defenseman Keegan Lowe rushed the puck and bounced a pass off the defender in the slot for his 11th of the season. The goal was Lowe's second in as many games as he continues to add to his career high.

Despite a desperate push in the final minutes the Oil Kings could not find an equalizer as their record when trailing after the second period fell to 1-5-1-0. Edmonton out-shot Medicine Hat 12-7 in the final frame but couldn't solve Tigers goaltender Cam Lanigan. Jarry made 25 saves in a losing effort allowing just two goals against following back to back shut out performances. Jarry continues to lead the WHL with a 1.70 GAA and four shutouts.

PHOTO GALLERY /

Up next the Oil Kings are back in action on Sunday afternoon at Rexall Place. It will be another Family Fun SUN Day presented by Mott's Fruitsations and the Edmonton SUN as the Oil Kings take on the Prince George Cougars. This game will feature a family friendly 4:00 p.m. puck drop! Family Fun SUNDay includes a kids zone with lots of inflatables and carnival activities for the kids. The new kids sized meal combos including a hamburger or hot dog, small fries and small pop are only $6. Popcorn is just $2 bucks.

All the Oil Kings remaining regular season Family Fun SUNday games at Rexall Place have been scheduled for 4:00 p.m. The Kings have three remaining Family Fun SUN Days - January 20th & 27th and February 17th.

Tickets are available at OILKINGS.CA, at the Rexall Place Box Office or at Ticketmaster outlets. For more information on season seats or flex packs, call 780-414-GOAL (4625). All games this season will be broadcast live on the TEAM 1260 and streamed live at WHL.ca. The Oil Kings 2012-13 season is presented by JLT, Insurance & Risk Management.

PURCHASE TICKETS

One of the best ways to get to a Family Fun SUNday is the Global Family Pack powered by Booster Juice. That's one ticket and a Booster Juice smoothie for just $17. Purchase a minimum of 3 tickets or a maximum of 8.

PURCHASE FAMILY PACK

Don't forget the 8 Ticket Flex Pack presented by Joe FM is a great way to take in Oil Kings hockey as we begin the stretch drive towards the WHL Playoffs! Each package includes 8 regular season tickets you can use any time in the best side seats AND a replica WHL Championship Ring.

PURCHASE 8 TICKET FLEX PACK