2013 World Juniors: Canada overpowers Russia, Nugent-Hopkins outstanding

On the strength of another three points from Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and some solid team play, Team Canada had little trouble dismissing Nail Yakupov and Team Russia, by a score of 4-1 in the final game of the preliminary round at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship.

2013 World Juniors: Subban brilliant, as Canada slide past Team USA

After hearing nothing but criticism about his play heading into the 2013 World Junior Championship, Malcolm Subban silenced his critics on Sunday afternoon, with a brilliant thirty-six save performance. The Team Canada netminder took his game to the next level, leading his side to a crucial 2-1 victory over Team USA. 

Oil Kings remain in top spot with two game split

The Western Hockey League's Christmas break could not have come at a worse possible time for the Edmonton Oil Kings. Despite missing captain Griffin Reinhart and David Musil from their lineup, Edmonton had managed to reel off five straight heading into the break, including their first two wins of the year over the Calgary Hitmen.

Hall picks up two more points in Barons shootout victory

Two more points from Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall paced the Oklahoma City Barons to their third consecutive victory, as they edged the San Antonio Rampage 3-2, in a shootout. Teemu Hartikainen scored his tenth of the season and Olivier Roy stopped thirty-two shots in a rare start, in leading the Barons to the crucial victory.

2013 World Juniors: Nugent-Hopkins picks up two more points in Canada's comeback win

While it may not have been the start that many had envisioned for Team Canada's second preliminary round game of the 2013 World Junior Championship, at the end of the day, all that matters are the two points. On the strength of a three point night from Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Morgan Rielly and another two point performance from captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Canada remained perfect at the World Juniors, with a come from behind 6-3 victory over Slovakia.

Barons hold off Stars, as Hall registers first AHL hat-trick

Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall was the star of the show on Thursday night, scoring three of Oklahoma City's five goals, as the Barons edged the Texas Stars by a score of 5-4. Centre Mark Arcobello chipped in with four helpers and the American Hockey League's co-leading scorers, Jordan Eberle and Justin Schultz, each picked up another two points and remain tied atop the scoring race, with forty-two points apiece.

2013 World Juniors: Nugent-Hopkins powers Canada past Germany

No one expected Germany to give Team Canada much of a run in the two sides opener at the 2013 World Junior Championship and that was exactly how it played out. Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins led the Canadian onslaught with a goal and four assists, as fourteen different skaters found the score sheet in Canada's 9-3 thrashing of Germany.

2013 World Junior Championships: Team Canada Preview

With the start of 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship mere hours away for Team Canada and head coach Steve Spott, we thought we would take a quick look at what to expect from the boys wearing the Maple Leaf.

2013 World Juniors - Nugent-Hopkins and Yakupov to play major roles for Canada and Russia

The two biggest names heading into the 2013 World Junior Championship belong to a pair of Edmonton Oilers forwards in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov.

Schultz carries Barons to weekend split with Stars

On the heels of one of their worst performances of the season, the Oklahoma City Barons rebounded in time to salvage their weekend series with the Texas Stars. On the strength of a four goal first period and another two goal effort from Edmonton Oilers prospect Justin Schultz, the Barons proved to be too much for the Stars, cruising to an easy 6-2 victory.

2013 World Juniors - Subban or bust for Team Canada

Today is Malcolm Subban's nineteenth birthday and while many seem to be focusing on his performance in Canada's 3-2 pre-tournament loss to Finland on Thursday morning, make no mistake, the birthday boy remains a key figure in just how far Team Canada will go at the 2013 World Junior Championships.

Samuelsson lifts Oil Kings past Hitmen

With both the Edmonton Oil Kings and Calgary Hitmen hoping to head into their Christmas break on a winning note,  one was going to be leaving the Scotiabank Saddledome very disappointed on Tuesday night. On the strength of another solid performance from the Western Hockey League's top power play and penalty killing units, the Oil Kings stretched their latest winning streak to five straight, with an impressive 4-1 pasting of the Hitmen.

Oil Kings St. Croix steals the show with four goal night

The Edmonton Oil Kings closed out their three game home stand in style on Sunday afternoon, pounding the Regina Pats by a score of 8-1 in Western Hockey League action. The Oil Kings top line of Michael St. Croix, TJ Foster and Dylan Wruck combined for six goals and twelve points, with St. Croix registering the first four goal game of his career.

Barons fall in shootout, despite three point night from Taylor Hall

After riding the coattails of Jordan Eberle to back-to-back weekend victories over the San Antonio Rampage, the Oklahoma City Barons fell just short of completing a perfect weekend, falling 4-3 to the Houston Aeros in you guessed it...another shootout. Taylor Hall led the charge upfront, with a goal and two assists, but in the end it wasn't enough.

Oil Kings crown Royals in fight filled affair

In the words of the immortal Don Cherry, it was a good ol' Rockem' Sockem' affair at Rexall Place on Saturday night, as the Edmonton Oil Kings outlasted the visiting Victoria Royals 5-2, in what was a highly entertaining affair. It was a total team effort, as Edmonton had twelve skaters find the score sheet and netminder Tristan Jarry was rock solid, in leading the defending Western Hockey League champs to their third straight victory.

The Jordan Eberle Show

While defenceman Justin Schultz has been the talk of the American Hockey League with the torrid start to his pro debut with the Oklahoma City Barons, he suddenly has company atop the league scoring race. That company being none other than current teammate and future Edmonton Oilers teammate, Jordan Eberle.

Barons end five game skid, Eberle takes over AHL goal scoring lead

It had been some time since the Oklahoma City Barons had last won a hockey game but on this night the crew of Edmonton Oilers were too much for the San Antonio Rampage to handle. Taylor Hall scored the eventual game winner, while Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi and Justin Schultz also lit the lamp, in the Barons 5-1 victory. The win not only snapped OKC's losing streak but marked only their second win in five tries against the last place Rampage.

Jarry superb in Oil Kings win over Kamloops

With starting netminder Laurent Brossoit more than likely to be named to Team Canada's World Junior roster in the coming days, the Edmonton Oil Kings have handed the reigns over to backup Tristan Jarry, for the foreseeable future. If Wednesday night's performance was any indication of the type of goaltending they can expect to receive in the absence of their number one guy, Edmonton appear to be in very capable hands.

Barons drop another, despite two point night from Schultz

The Oklahoma City Barons were hoping a return home from their seven game road trip would get them back to their winning ways. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case, as the Barons dropped their fifth straight, falling 4-2 to the Peoria Rivermen. Defenceman Justin Schultz continued on his torrid scoring pace, picking up a pair of assists, while Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall scored his sixth of the season and chipped in with a helper, in the losing effort.

Oilers Nugent-Hopkins is Hockey Canada's lone risk

No offence to all the "what if" scenarios surrounding Team Canada's entry into the 2013 World Junior Championships but what is all the fuss about? The current NHL Lockout has definitely allowed Canada to put together their best roster since 2005 but should the work stoppage be resolved anytime soon, it would really effect only one player. That player being none other than Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Barons come up empty in San Antonio

Apparently having a full week off did little to shake up the struggling Oklahoma City Barons. Back-to-back one goal losses to the San Antonio Rampage on Saturday night Sunday afternoon, brought the club's lengthy seven game road swing to a disappointing end.  After starting the trek off with a perfect 3-0 run, four consecutive defeats left the Barons with a 3-3-0-1 mark for the trip.

Captain Reinhart leads Oil Kings to huge win over Hitmen

After failing to put away their provincial rivals in any of their four previous kicks at the can, the Edmonton Oil Kings finally got the job done on Saturday night. Captain Griffin Reinhart led the charge with a goal and two assists and netminder Laurent Brossoit stopped twenty-nine of the thirty-one shots fired his way, earning the defending WHL champs a crucial split in their weekend set with the Calgary Hitmen, with the 4-2 victory.

Oil Kings collapse, as Hitmen score five unanswered goals

 It was a tale of two games on Friday evening at Rexall Place. The Edmonton Oil Kings jumped out to an early lead, dominating the opening twelve minutes of action. Unfortunately for the season high crowd of 12,575, they witnessed the Calgary Hitmen score five unanswered goals, as they knocked off the Oil Kings for a fourth time this season.

Oil Kings thumped in Lethbridge

On the heels of a crucial home and home set with the Calgary Hitmen, the Edmonton Oil Kings were hoping to sweep their two game series with the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Wednesday night. Unfortunately for them, the Hurricanes had other ideas, walloping the defending Western Hockey League champs by a score of 6-2.

If healthy, Oilers D could be far better than expected

Heading into what was supposed to be the 2012-2013 National Hockey League season, there were more than a few questions surrounding the Edmonton Oilers blueline. Their lack of top end talent, depth, experience and possible health issues, were all a cause for major concern. While those questions still remain, the club's blueline mix doesn't look as questionable as it once did.

Is having Nugent-Hopkins play for Canada the right move?

Hockey Canada made the mistake of leaving Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins off their roster at the 2011 World Juniors and it was a move that cost them dearly. Typically, you do not get the chance at a "re-do" in this sort of setting but they are getting just that, when it comes to the former first overall selection.

Lazar powers Oil Kings over Hurricanes

Curtis Lazar could not have picked a better time to snap his fourteen game goal drought, potting a pair and chipping in with a helper for good measure, as the Edmonton Oil Kings squeaked out a 4-3 win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Sunday afternoon.

Oil Kings slide back into top spot with win over Kootenay

Edmonton Oil Kings netminder Tristan Jarry continued his storybook campaign, registering his second shutout of the season, in helping Edmonton to a crucial 2-0 win over the Kooteany Ice at Rexall Place. The victory moved the defending WHL Champions back into to top spot in the Central Division, two points clear of the Calgary Hitmen.

Aeros sweep OKC Barons, despite two more points from Schultz and Hall

After running off five straight victories, the Oklahoma City Barons have dropped their second in as many nights to the Houston Aeros, this time by a score of 4-3. The win marks the fourth time in five games, that the Barons have fallen to the Aeros this year, as they continue to ride the Minnesota Wild jinx over all things related to the Edmonton Oilers.

Schultz scores another but Aeros snap Barons win streak

Maybe it has something to do with those Minnesota Wild styled jerseys reeking havoc with all things related to the Edmonton Oilers or perhaps it is just a case of dumb luck. Whatever the reason, the Oklahoma City Barons five game win streak came to a crashing halt on Thursday night, losing for the third time in four meetings to the Houston Aeros. The 2-1 loss marked the second time they have dropped a decision to the Aeros via the shootout.

Oilers are getting more than they had bargained for in Justin Schultz

While I was one who felt felt having Justin Schultz start his pro career in the American Hockey League would benefit him greatly, at no point did I envision what the talented blueliner has managed to accomplish during the first eighteen games of his career. The Edmonton Oilers were well aware of the type of player they were getting when the decided to sign the puck-moving rearguard but no one could have seen this coming.

Oil Notes: Hall takes home AHL weekly honour, Klefbom to go under the knife

For the most part, things have been going according to plan for the Edmonton Oilers organization of late. The Oklahoma City Barons are starting to hit their stride and make their way up the American Hockey League standings and their most recent stretch has been fueled by the Oilers young quartet, with Taylor Hall leading the way..

Barons pull off weekend sweep thanks to a little more Oilers magic

With the core of the Edmonton Oilers NHL roster starting to click on a regular basis down in OKC, the Barons are quickly becoming the talk of the American Hockey League. A third consecutive three point night from Taylor Hall, another two goal effort from Jordan Eberle and three more points from defenceman Justin Schultz, was more than enough on Sunday afternoon.

Oil Kings win another, as Lowe pots late OT winner

On a night in which the Edmonton Oil Kings should have a had an easy time of things, it was the play of former Oil Kings netminder Cam Lanigan, that made things far closer than they should have been. A late overtime marker by Keegan Lowe spoiled Lanigan's forty-five save performance, lifting Edmonton to a crucial 2-1 victory over the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers.

Hall and Eberle Show powers Barons to fourth straight win

Another three point night from Taylor Hall and two more goals from the red-hot Jordan Eberle, paced the Oklahoma City Barons to a huge 4-2 win over the Charlotte Checkers. While the Edmonton Oilers dynamic duo led the charge upfront, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz still managed to lend a helping hand in the victory.

Oil Kings continue home ice dominance with easy win over Moose Jaw

After struggling to find their way on home ice to start the 2012-2013 campaign, the Edmonton Oil Kings have clearly righted the ship in their own barn. With Friday night's 5-1 drubbing of the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors now in the books, the Oil Kings have now won six of their last seven on Rexall Place ice and remain in an all out battle with the Calgary Hitmen for top spot in the Western Hockey League's Central Division.

Oilers young quartet deliver yet again, as OKC win their third straight

Ever since Taylor Hall joined his Edmonton Oilers teammates down in Oklahoma City, it seemed as though it would only be a matter of time before the Barons would start filling the net on a nightly basis. Apparently that time has arrived, as the Oilers youngsters are starting to terrorize goaltenders across the AHL.

Legault steals the show in Oil Kings win over Broncos

It had been six long weeks since Stephane Legault had last suited up for the Edmonton Oil Kings, due to a foot injury he suffered back on October 7th. The fourth year Oil King had an immediate impact upon his return, scoring both Edmonton goals in a 2-1 victory over the Swift Current Broncos. The game also marked the return of Edmonton Oilers prospect Mitch Moroz to the lineup,who had missed Edmonton's last three games due to injury.

Nugent-Hopkins scores twice in Barons 5-2 win

The Milwaukee Admirals managed to hold the Edmonton Oilers youngsters at bay in the opening game of their back-to-back weekend set with the Oklahoma City Barons. The Admirals earned an overtime loss for their efforts on Friday night but they would not be so lucky in Saturday's re-match.

Oilers trio were pure magic on Hockey Night in Canada

At the moment, it seems so very long ago but back on November 19, 2011 the Edmonton Oilers trio of Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a coming out party of sorts. During the late game of CBC's Hockey Night In Canada , the trio of youngsters torched Jonathan Toews and his Chicago Blackhawks teammates by the score of 9-2, sending a ripple of excitement across not only the Alberta Capital but with hockey fans across the country. Funny how things can change in one calendar year.

Fedun nets his first, as Danis stones Admirals in Barons OT victory

Defenceman Taylor Fedun notched his first goal as a pro and Mark Arcobello scored the overtime winner, as the Oklahoma City Barons edged the Milwaukee Admirals 2-1 in Friday night AHL action. Yann Danis was sensational in making forty-three stops and rookie Justin Schultz picked up two more points, giving him twenty for the season, as he continues to lead the American Hockey League in scoring.

CHL Super Series: Russia too much for Team WHL

With the 2012 CHL Subway Series on the line and playing their sixth game in eleven nights, Team Russia elevated their game but the WHL All Stars could not do the same. Defenceman Mikhail Naumenkov led the Russian attack with a three point night, on the way to an easy 5-2 victory and winning only their second Super Series Championship in ten tries.

CHL Super Series: Brossoit leads WHL to shootout win over Team Russia

In what was arguably the finest game of the 2012 SUBWAY Super Series, it would be the two netminders who would steal the show in Vancouver. Edmonton Oil Kings Laurent Brossoit and Saskatoon Blades Andrey Makarov each pitched a shutout during sixty minutes of regulation, before the WHL All Stars pulled away in the shootout, giving the CHL a 3-2 lead over Team Russia, heading into Thursday night's series finale in Victoria.

Gardiner nets OT winner, lifting Marlies past Oilers comeback kids in OKC

In what was a tale of three hockey games, the Toronto Marlies won a wild shootout Tuesday afternoon in Oklahoma City, edging the Barons 6-5 in an overtime thriller. Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner scored the OT winner for the visiting Marlies, wasting a furious third period OKC comeback, which was lead by the Edmonton Oilers dynamic quartet.

CHL Super Series: OHL stars ruin Yakupov's homecoming

All the hype heading into the fourth game of the 2012 SUBWAY Super Series was surrounding the return of Edmonton Oilers prospect Nail Yakupov, to his old stomping grounds. While the former Sarnia Sting standout manged to the light the lamp for Team Russia on Monday night, it was the OHL All Stars who would get the last laugh, evening the series at two, with a 2-1 victory.

Schultz scores OT winner to end OKC losing streak

After being shutout in back-to-back outings, the Oklahoma City Barons offence finally showed signs of life, beating the Abbotsford Heat 2-1 on Saturday night. Defenceman Justin Schultz scored the winner early in OT and Taylor Hall ended the Barons 187 minute scoreless drought, with a third period power play marker, improving the Barons record to 6-5-0-1 on the season.

Brossoit carries Oil Kings to another road victory

On a night in which T.J. Foster picked up three points in the Edmonton Oil Kings 4-2 win over the Prince George Cougars, netminder Laurent Brossoit still managed to steal the show. The Oil Kings puckstopper put his club on his back one more time, in stopping thirty-eight shots and leading the defending Western Hockey League champs to yet another road victory.

Nelson must use Oilers youngsters in proper roles

It is easy to understand why Oklahoma City head coach Todd Nelson was entertaining the possibility of using his Edmonton Oilers trio of Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, on each of the Barons top three lines. The troubling part, was he actually went ahead and did it. Not surprisingly, the outcome fell far short of what he was hoping for.

CHL Super Series: Russia ends OHL dominance with two third period goals

Heading into the their third game of the 2012 SUBWAY Super Series, in just four nights, Team Russia looked to be in for a long evening. Not only were they playing on back-to-back nights, following a rather lengthy bus trip from Val d’Or, but they were taking on the OHL All-Stars. A side in which they had lost to on eighteen consecutive occasions, dating back to the original Canada-Russia Challenge in 2003.

Whistle halts Oil Kings winning streak at two

Rourke Chartier's early third period goal proved to be the difference, as the Kelowna Rockets held off a late surge by the Edmonton Oil Kings, knocking off the defending Western Hockey League champs by a score of 3-2. Rookie defenceman Stephen Shmoorkoff notched his first career WHL goal in the loss and Laurent Brossoit continued his strong play, making twenty stops in a losing effort.