Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Fall On Home Ice To Kootenay

March 4, 2010

March 3, 2010 vs Kootenay - Photo by Andy Devlin

Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Oil Kings squandered a 2-0 lead, dropping a 7-3 decision to the Kootenay Ice Wednesday at Rexall Place. The Oil Kings got the early jump on goals from Mike Piluso and Dylan Wruck, but the game turned on a shorthanded marker from Kootenay captain Dustin Sylvester late in the first period. The Ice took over from there with Kevin King and Steele Boomer chasing Torrie Jung from the net in the second period. Max Reinhart and Matt Fraser would add to the damage against Cam Lanigan, but Stephane Legault cut the lead to 5-3 with his first Western Hockey League goal just before the second intermission. Matt Fraser and Brayden McNabb helped restore Kootenay’s dominance in the third period to close out the 7-3 win.

The Oil Kings dressed a young lineup that included six 16 year olds. Head Coach Steve Pleau says it’s the youngest lineup he’s ever coached. “You’ve got to build on the positives. The guys are getting opportunities to play and that’s a positive in itself. We had the start we wanted but then it seemed like everything went sideways.”

For Edmonton native Stephane Legault, his milestone goal was bittersweet. “It was kind of a rough one defensively, but it felt good to get the monkey off my back.” It was Legault’s 10th WHL game after leading the Alberta Midget Hockey League in scoring this year. “You start to feel a little more comfortable. There’s always guys pushing you so you have to work hard. Hopefully things will come along with a few more games under my belt.”

The Oil Kings return to action Saturday at Rexall Place against the Saskatoon Blades. It’s Home Depot Fan Appreciation Night with lots of prizes. It’s also a minor hockey wrap up party. Plenty of good seats are still available at any Ticketmaster location, online at oilkings.ca, or by calling 780-414-GOAL(4625). Faceoff is set for 7:00.