Memorial Cup - Oil Kings Go Out With A Whimper But Should Hold Their Heads High

What has been a memorable season for the Edmonton Oil Kings has ended on a rather sour note, as the WHL champs were ceremoniously bounced from the 2012 Memorial Cup on Thursday night.The host Shawinigan Cataractes laid the boots to the Oil Kings, winning by a score of 6-1 and will now face-off against the Saint John Sea Dogs in Friday night's semi-final.

Nothing but class from the Oilers former bench boss

Tom Renney decided to take time from his off season to jump on plane and come to Edmonton and allow the media to ask their questions of the recently dismissed bench boss of the Edmonton Oilers. In typical Renney fashion, the coach was nothing but classy to the bitter end. He graciously came back into town to state the obvious. He was disappointed in not being renewed last week but had nothing but positive things to say about the city, players and organization. While not happy with his current predicament of being on the coaching unemployment line, one would have never guessed by the veteran coach's demeanor. Disappointed yes but unwilling to through his former employers under the bus. Though he would have no reason for doing so.   

Oilers no longer have room for Sam Gagner

Heading into the 2011-2012 campaign, I was of the belief that the Edmonton Oilers had to make a choice between Ales Hemsky and Sam Gagner. In my mind, it was all good to have both players on the roster for the season but come 2012-2013, something would have to give. All signs were pointing to Hemsky being the one who was going to be shown the door but when they decided to sign the talented Czech to a two year contract extension, that all changed. While Gagner could easily slide back into his role as Edmonton's second line centre, if the plan is for this club to start moving up the standings, that simply can not be an option.

Memorial Cup - Oil Kings in deep trouble after falling to the London Knights

It appears as though the Edmonton Oil Kings magical season is on the verge of coming to an end. After falling 4 -1 to the London Knights on Tuesday evening, the Western Hockey League champions will need to beat all three of their opponents, in order to hoist the Memorial Cup Trophy after Sunday’s championship game. A tall task at the best of times but one that seems almost impossible for a team that has yet to find their stride at the 2012 Memorial Cup.

Tambellini on last legs as Oilers GM

To say that Steve Tambellini's tenure as the General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers has seen its share of ups and downs, would be putting it mildly. One area he has excelled at, is having the privilege of announcing the top selection at the NHL entry draft. This will likely be the third straight year that he will step up to the podium  and announce the number one pick. That is all well and good but last time I checked, the point of playing the game is to try to win...not lose.

Memorial Cup - Sea Dogs Down Oil Kings 5-2

Heading into the Memorial Cup, many felt it was a foregone conclusion that the Saint John Sea Dogs would defend their 2011 title. Four games into this year's event, it seems as though that line of thinking was a tad premature. While the Sea Dogs were able to knock off the Edmonton Oil Kings 5-2, on the strength of a two goal performance from Zack Phillips. Saint John improved to 1-1, moving the defending champs into a four tie atop the standings. This is uncharted territory for the Canadian Hockey League Championship, as all four teams have never sat in a dead heat after the opening four games in the history of the Memorial Cup.