By Brent Forster, Big Valley Oil Kings
Mother Nature played a big role in quieting the Big Valley Agriplex, as both Big Valley Oil Kings’ weekend games were rescheduled because of poor road conditions across the senior Battle River Hockey League landscape.
Last Saturday’s tilt against the Macklin Mohawks has already been rescheduled for this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Big Valley.
The Mohawks were a member of the Saskatchewan West Hockey League last season, topping that circuit during the regular season with 16 wins and just four losses.
The Mohawks were also the SWHL champions, defeating the Kindersley Red Lions in the playoffs.
Macklin and Big Valley meet each other for the first time this Saturday.
As with many senior hockey league teams, roster additions and subtractions occur throughout the season, and Big Valley is no different.
Former Western Hockey League forward Darrell May has been added to the Oil Kings’ roster. May suited up for the Tri-City Americans, Vancouver Giants and Portland Winterhawks during his WHL days.
The St. Albert native’s most productive offensive season came in 2004-05, when in 71 games he scored 18 times and added 35 assists with the Winterhawks.
Former Brooks Bandit Andrew Gilbert from the Alberta junior A league has two points in two games with Big Valley, while patrolling the Oil Kings’ blueline.
More recently, the six-foot-one Oil Kings’ rookie skated with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns from 2007 to 2012.
Another former U of L Pronghorn, Austin Davenport, is new to the Oil Kings’ roster for this season. Davenport also played in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Calgary Royals. The 26-year-old forward brings size, standing six-foot-one and weighing more than 190 pounds.
Big Valley’s postponed game against the Sedgewick Sabres hasn’t been rescheduled.