By Brent Forster, Big Valley Oil Kings
With a handful of regulars out of the lineup, the Big Valley Oil Kings played a near-perfect game to defeat the visiting Sedgewick Sabres 5-1 in a chippy game last Friday at Big Valley.
Joel Richard got the start in net for Big Valley and turned aside 28 shots for the victory.
At 11:07 of the first period, Oil Kings defenceman Denver Wik beat Sabres netminder Jordy Cox, on a feed from rookies Matt Wildeman and Brett Ouellette.
With just 42 seconds remaining in the period, Sedgewick’s Tristan Patten found the back of the net on a wraparound to square the Battle River Hockey League affair.
Ex Portland Winterhawk Darrell May slipped one under Cox at 1:39 of the second. Big Valley extended its lead when Dave Sissons cashed in on a beautiful feed from Devan Shanks during a two-on-one.
Sissons scored at 4:45 of the third period, with the assist going to May. To complete the natural hat trick, Sissons scored on the power play and was set up by Kent Wing and Shanks, for his third assist of the game.
As the lead increased, the Sabres were visibly frustrated, giving Big Valley nine power plays, as several misconducts were issued.
Sedgewick was given just one power-play opportunity, as the Oil Kings held their composure.
“It was a game when opportunity met adversity,” said Oil Kings coach Scott Schell. “That’s when you show character.”
Less than 24 hours later, the Oil Kings travelled to Daysland to face the Northstars in a game that featured a combined 23 power plays. A few game misconducts were part of the penalty barrage.
Big Valley lost 9-4 in a rare game where the Oil Kings were outshot (34- 16).
In the losing cause, Sissons and Matt Schmermund each had three points, while Justin Tremmel and ex-WHL defenceman Landon Jones added assists.
The Oil Kings have won three of their past four games and remain in the top four in the Battle River senior league, with a 4-4-1 record.
This Friday, Big Valley hosts the league leading Tofield Satellites (7-1).
On Saturday, the Oil Kings have a rematch against the Northstars in Daysland.