By Terry Martin
The Spruce Grove Saints will host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in a home and home series this weekend, looking to even their series with their northern rival. The Oil Barons now lead the eight-game set after winning three straight after the Saints opened the return to play series with a win in Fort McMurray on March 12th. The teams will play Game 5 on Friday night in Fort McMurray at 7:30pm, with Game 6 going Sunday afternoon in Spruce Grove (4:00pm).
Last Friday the Oil Barons opened the scoring, however Jayden Davis would continue his hot streak and tie the game just 20 seconds later. Tyler Palmer was also peppered in the first period, making 21 saves. Caden Cabana would then get his first AJHL goal in the second period to tie the game at two, but the Oil Barons would ultimately lead 3-2 going into the third period. Fort McMurray would add three goals in the final frame and go on to a convincing 6-2 win.
In the second game of the weekend, the Saints dominated the first period, outshooting the Oil Barons 12-3. Brett Pfoh would get his first goal as a member of the Saints and Logan Acheson would get his first AJHL goal to give the Saints a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play. Graeme Hampton would also get his first AJHL goal but the Oil Barons would put up three in the second period to go up 4-3. Fort McMurray would also add two early in the third to take the game by a final score of 6-3.
Players to Watch:
For the Saints, after getting his first goal for Spruce Grove, Bowling Green commit Brett Pfoh will look to continue his strong play this weekend after earning a spot on the first line last Saturday. As well as rookie defenseman Graeme Hampton who will once again be relied upon heavily coming off his first career AJHL goal last weekend.
For the Oil Barons, Michael Hodge has 14 points on the season and four of those came last weekend, netting one goal and three assists. He was also named AJHL Player of the Week.
Fans can catch all the action on the Saints Radio Network (mixlr.com/sprucegrovesaints), on HockeyTV and at the Canadian Brewhouse in Spruce Grove starting at 7:15pm on Friday, March 26th and 3:45pm on Sunday, March 28th.