Schedule & Results, Bantam AE, U15, 2011-2012 (Petrolia Minor Hockey)

The Oilers rolled into St. Thomas for a late season tilt on Sunday. The Oil were coming off a practice and 2 games in as many days.  Petrolia has been playing excellent hockey as of late and their record is starting to reflect that with 3 wins and a loss going into their 2nd last game of the season.  This point streak has tightened up the Shamrock League standings.

The Oilers knew that a strong effort with excellent positional play, puck movement and being physical would be required to keep this game close as St. Thomas has one of the quicker skating clubs in the league.  Petrolia also has struggled all season long in playing a complete game with no let down in the second period.  This game would change that.

This was a very physical affair with the Oilers setting the tone early and often.  This approach slowed the Stars down and Petrolia carried the momentum.  Numerous scoring chances were created with plenty of time spent in the Stars end of the ice with no scoring in the first and second periods.

The Oilers came out and scored in the first shift in the 3rd period.  The Stars picked up their game and put a lot of pressure on the Oilers and eventually tied the game up on a play that was obviously off side, other than the linesman was looking in the corner of the rink instead of down the blueline.  It was unclear what he could have been so interested in other than possibly looking the other way.  Once again the officiating was somewhat suspect as in the second period the Stars goalie used his blocker on Jaret Scarrow and only was given a 2 minute minor penalty.  I have to applaud the officiating crew for making each and every game interesting.

This was a great game with a lot of grit and spirit shown from both teams. This ends the regular season for the Oilers in 2011 with the final game of the season coming on Jan 15th vs Thamesford. 

Petrolia is attending 2 tournaments in the long layoff in Zurich and London.Great work team.  We have really come together and played some excellent hockey in the past 3 weeks.  Lets have a great break and wins some at the tournaments before making our run in the playoffs.