A 5-3 win over the Canmore Eagles wasn’t enough to salvage a 4-3 loss to the AJHL South-leading Brooks Bandits on Friday night, at least in the eyes of the CJHL.
The Fort McMurray Oil Barons fell from #5 to #6 in the national rankings today after splitting their weekend games and continuing to struggle mightily on offence and the power play.
“We’re two separate units,” said head coach Gord Thibodeau. “Our defence is playing a different game than our forwards are; we’re ending to play lateral hockey rather than moving the puck forward, so it’s real difficult to generate offence.”
The Barons head on a three game road swing this week, starting in Thursday against Lloydminster, Friday against Bonnyville, and Saturday against Spruce Grove.
The first-place Saints have gone on a three-game losing streak, putting the Barons within striking distance of the top spot; but standings aren’t the coach’s concern.
“Positioning isn’t that important right now,” said Thibodeau. “What’s important is trying to play good hockey. If we play three good games and go 0-3 next week I’m fine with that, as long as we’re playing good hockey.”
“It’s more important to try and make sure you’re more consistent with your effort and your intelligence. Right now we’re not playing very intelligent hockey and that’s part of the reason we’re struggling.”
Pre-game coverage on Thursday starts at 7:15 on Country 93.3.
