Oil Kings Lay Claim to the Crown
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Edmonton, AB - Kristians Pelss thrilling OT winner capped a 3-2 come from behind win for the Edmonton Oil Kings over the East division leading Moose Jaw Warriors on Wednesday night. With the win the modern franchise Oil Kings clinch their first ever WHL Central Division title. The Kings also have a stranglehold on first place in the Eastern conference with a seven point lead over the Warriors.
After a slower first period business started to pick up in the second as Stephane Legault tipped a shot from Captain Mark Pysyk to make it 1-0. The power play goal was Legault's 14th of the season, doubling his total from last season as he continues his breakout year. But Mooe Jaw would push back later in the period as Dallas Ehrhardt scored on a blast from the point to make it 1-1. Less than a minute later Tanner Eberle would take advantage of a controversal situation that saw Oil Kings goaltender Laurent Brossoit get run over in the crease to make it a 2-1 Moose Jaw lead.
Edmonton's frustration's showed throughout but finally it was Legault who was able to shovel home the equalizer with six minutes to play in the third to help push the Oil Kings into overtime. Legault took advantage of a nifty play from Griffin Reinhart who played the bankshot off the back wall to play the puck to the front of the net. Edmonton pressed for the winner in overtime when finally Pelss was able to gather the puck and wire one home from the top of the circle to give the Oil Kings the win. Laurent Brossoit made 24 saves in the night to secure the victory, Edmonton's sixth win in a row. The Edmonton power play was 1 for 6 while holding the Warriors to 0 for 2 with the man advantage.
The Oil Kings move into a tie with the league leading Tri City Americans with 97 points but by virtue of their number of wins Edmonton remains second place in the WHL overall standings. The Oil Kings have five games remaining in the 2012 regular season and the race for the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy.
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Next up, the Kings will kick off a home and home series with the Rebels on Friday night in Red Deer. Saturday's game, the second half of the home and home, will be the Oil Kings final home game of the regular season. It's Dodge Fan Appreciation Night and the Oil Kings will have plenty of prizes and giveaways. The first 500 fans at the game will receive a Ryan Smyth World Junior Bobblehead, also the Oil Kings will be giving away a brand new Dodge Grand Caravan!
With over 12 thousand tickets sold the Oil Kings are looking to snap the modern franchise attendance record! Tickets are on sale now at oilkings.ca OR by calling 414-GOAL.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!
The playoffs are coming back to the City of Champions! All playoff tickets are on sale now. That includes the brand new Playoff Pass presented by ATB Financial. A one-time, low price of $99 will secure your seat for every Oil Kings home playoff game in 2012. Fans may purchase the Playoff Pass presented by ATB Financial for a limited time in person at the Rexall Place Box Office, by calling 780-414-GOAL (4625) or online at oilkings.ca. While supplies last. The Oil Kings 2011-12 season is presented by JLT, Insurance & Risk Management.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PLAYOFF PASS
Attention Season Seat Holders - There is only two days left to renew by our deadline of March 9th for terrific incentives like $50 in Oil Kings bucks per seat and additional playoff tickets! Complete the renewal process online by the March 9th deadline for additional Oil Kings gifts.
CLICK HERE TO RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKETS
