Sportsnet CHL Saturday Showcase: Red Deer at Edmonton
An all-Alberta battle comes to Sportsnet as the Red Deer Rebels (17-25-10-3) visit the Edmonton Oil Kings (14-32-5-2) on the CHL Saturday Showcase.
The Rebels enter play rolling with wins in seven of their last 10 games including a 7-2 win over the Oil Kings on home ice Friday night. Czech forward Kristian Reichel stole the show with three goals and an assist as Red Deer improved to 4-1 against Edmonton on the season.
Brent Sutter’s Rebels sit four points back of the Kootenay ICE for the final playoff spot in the Central Division. Since the WHL’s Trade Deadline, the Rebels are 7-3-3-0, greatly aiding their chances at extend their streak of consecutive playoff appearances to five years.
Red Deer is led in scoring by overage forward Mason McCarty who has 54 points (28-26–54) over 53 games.
For the Oil Kings, there’s plenty of optimism behind the present and the future. Trey Fix-Wolansky registered 19 points (7-12–19) in 14 games during January to lead the Oil Kings and has put together a splendid second WHL season with 61 points (22-39–61) in 53 games, setting career-highs in assists, points and soon he’ll pass the goal total as well.
In the midst of a youth movement, the Oil Kings have taken their lumps at times this season. Up-and-coming performers in Brett Kemp and first round pick Matthew Robertson are ones to watch now and in the years to come.
Sportsnet’s RJ Broadhead and Sam Cosentino bring you all the action on Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm MT/3:30pm ET, live across the country on Sportsnet.
100th MASTERCARD MEMORIAL CUP TOUR COMES TO EDMONTON:
The Memorial Cup is in Edmonton this weekend, already paying a visit to the Edmonton Garrison as military personnel had a chance to see the prestigious trophy.
The Cup will be in the building at Rogers Place on Saturday afternoon as the Oil Kings battle the Rebels on Sportsnet.
This morning, #OilKings Head Coach @hamilton_steve & his father, Edmonton Oil Kings & @EdmontonOilers Alumni Al Hamilton, visited the Edmonton Garrison with the Memorial Cup as part of the @CHLHockey‘s 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Memorial Cup! Photos????: pic.twitter.com/utAr5i0c6A
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) February 8, 2018