Post-game interview with Assistant Coach Mike Brodeur is below
ROCK 97.9 Post-game show – Oct. 2, 2015 – Mike Brodeur by Bradley Karp on Mixcloud
An undisciplined second period cost the Oil Barons an opportunity to nab their first win of the regular season in front of the 15 other AJHL member clubs at the Showcase on Oct. 2.
The Calgary Canucks overcame a 1-0 deficit after the first period scoring two power-play markers in the middle frame. Calgary would hold the score at that mark to pick up their third win of the season. Fort McMurray took five of six penalties in the second period.
“They were just getting men to the net, they were coming to the net hard and getting pucks to the net and that was the difference,” said Mike Brodeur, Oil Barons Assistant Coach on the ROCK 97.9 post-game show. “I think they did a better job at the net front than we did finding rebounds and getting those pucks. Our discipline wasn’t there tonight with pucks and penalty wise so that really hurt us.”
Dalton Ossman scored his third of the season on the man advantage just 3:23 into the second period as Brett Edwards served a four-minute double-minor penalty for butt-ending. Tyler Benko added the game winner for the Canucks at the 16:24 mark with Marcus Kichton in the sin-bin for roughing.
Shawn Weber scored the only Oil Barons goal 6:02 into the first period, his second of the season.
The Showcase is a big deal for players and coaches, the mark of a good club is not just the win and loss record but the ability to push players ahead to the next level, and of course players are playing for scholarships, a look at Major Junior and even the NHL.
“I think the young guys that experienced it for the first they were one of our best lines, the kid line [Damon Porter, Shane Fraser, Brett Edwards] really did well tonight and I don’t think the pressure really affected them at all , if anything it helped them,” said Brodeur. “I think some of our older guys they could’ve brought a little more for us tonight.”
The players had their height and weight measured by NHL Central Scouting right after arriving at the rink.
Ravi Dattani picked up another loss in light of another great game between the pipes shuffling off 28 of 30 shots against. The Oil Barons directed 33 towards Logan Drackett who was incredible between the pipes for the Canucks. The 17-year-old goaltender certainly pegged his name on a player-to-watch list for scouts in the building.
The Oil Barons record dropped to 0-7-2 on the season while Calgary improved to 3-6-1. Former Oil Baron Zach McNeill who was traded for Connor McCallum picked up an assist on the night, he’s been off to a great start to the season tied for the team lead in points with eight.
Fort McMurray takes on the Showcase host Camrose Kodiaks at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct.3 to close out the weekend.
