Okotoks Oilers narrowly defeat Atom Chinooks in first of two playdown games

Atom Chinooks vs Oilers
C. Davis photos/video

• Atom Chinoooks vs Oilers
• Hurricanes coming

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's Atom Chinooks hosted the Tier 4 Okotoks Oilers at the MCC arena on February 2 for the first of two Provincials playdown games.  

The Chinooks had a one point lead at the end of the first.  2-1.  The game was tied 4-4 at the end of the second period.  The Oilers outscored the Chinooks 2-1 in the final period to win it 6-5.

All 5 Chinooks goals were scored by  "Rocket" Rylan Bruns, he of the slapshot heard to Okotoks. Assisting him on his first two goals were  Logan Deley, Cade Ames, and  Alex Comeau.  

The Oilers spread their scoring around.  #14 Domynic Whitton scored twice, including the game clincher. Cody Forbes scored and got 3 assists.  Daytn Kulynych scored once and got two assists.  Zach Vandal scored and got an assist.  Gavin Mar scored and got an assist.  Ethan Blizzard got an assist.

The Chinooks'  solid defence did their part, anchored by Koltyn "Kipper" Kipling in net.  Up front there was trouble.  The thoughtful passing plays this team is capable of were almost non-existant.  Every loose puck was seen as a potential breakaway.  The Oilers had more bamboozle at the net, largely due to creating and capitalizing on their opportunities.

The Chinooks accrued 10 minute of minor penalties, compared to a total of 14 minutes for the Oilers.

These two teams will face each other again in Okotoks next on Hockey Day, Saturday February 8.  The Atom Chinooks will need to win that game by 2 to win the playdown. That's going to be a tough day for the Chinooks, they're scheduled to host Magrath in Pincher Creek starting at 11:00 am, and then they will travel to Okotoks for the playdown game.