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

The Oilers travelled to St Thomas for the first of 2 back to back games.  The Oilers still control their playoff destiny.

The Oil came out strong in the first period.  Taking the game to the Stars and getting an early lead.  The Stars held the Oil from scoring more goals even though there was significant pressure during the 1st period.

The second period saw 2 different halves.  The Oil playing well in the first half and not playing well in the second.  The second half saw many players stop skating to loose pucks in open ice, or not forchecking, or not back chequing, or avoiding physical contact.  This was one of the ugliest periods of hockey in a very long while.  No scoring was the only highlight of the second  period.

The coaches challenged the Oils to raise their game in the 3rd period, to play smart, to get their feet moving and outwork the Stars and come out with a victory.

The Oil did come out with some renewed pace.  They did work hard in the first 4 minutes getting yet another power play opportunity.  This however was the turning point in the game.  During this power play the Oilers fell completely asleep and stopped skating or doing anything that resembled quality hockey.  The Oil paid for this regression with not just one goal but two goals on our power play.  Having St Thomas take a lead with around 9 minutes to play.

The Oilers did pick up their game and had some chances but could not find an answer to tie the game up before running out of time.  Unfortunately this ended up with a loss and no points when there was a high potential for a win and 2 points.

This weekend will determine the fate of the moving on to the A final or not with Home ice still up for grabs.

Lets hunker down and play our best hockey.  If we do that with all players playing there best we will win twice and get a chance to win it all. GO OIL GO.