GAME SUMMARY: Williams hat-trick powers Oil Kings to Home Opener win
Edmonton, AB – The Edmonton Oil Kings (1-0-0-0) got instant production from their newly formed line of Josh Williams, Carter Souch and Jakub Demek as they combined for eight points in the team’s 4-1 season opening win over the Red Deer Rebels (0-1-0-0) on Friday night at Rogers Place.
Williams first of three goals on the night came late in the first period as he finished off a three-way passing play between himself, Souch and Jakub Demek with a bullet shot from the right-wing circle that beat Rebels starting goaltender Chase Coward over the right pad. The goal provided a spark for the Oil Kings heading into the first intermission after a lethargic start to the game.
Jacob Boucher added to the Edmonton lead just 2:37 into the second period, collecting his first goal in an Oil Kings sweater. Oil Kings goaltender Sebastian Cossa started the play after having an Arshdeep Bains shot carom off his chest right to Jaxsen Wiebe who made an incredible stretch pass to Boucher in behind the Red Deer defence, and he made no mistake elevating a wrist-shot under the bar.
After the two teams combined for just 15 shots in the opening period, they combined for 29 in the middle stanza with both goaltenders coming up with big saves at different points to keep the difference at two through 40 minutes.
Williams wasted no time cushioning his team’s lead early in the third period as just 27 seconds in, Demek tossed a little bumper pass off the right-wing boards into his wheelhouse that he one-timed over the glove of Coward.
For the fourth time in his career, Williams sent the hats flying with his third goal of the night, just over three minutes later, as again Demek found him wide-open, this time at the top of the Rebels crease, where he hoisted the puck over the blocker of Coward.
The Rebels would spoil a near perfect night for Cossa after Ben King ripped home a shot from the high-slot with just 3:24 left in regulation.
Cossa finished the night making 35 saves, while Coward kicked aside 28 shots in the Rebels crease. The Oil Kings went 1-for-6 on the power play, while Red Deer went 0-for-3.
The Oil Kings and Rebels hook up again tomorrow night in Red Deer at 7:00 P.M. Catch the game at oilkings.ca/radio.
NOTES:
- The Oil Kings have now won four straight home and season openers.
- The Oil Kings have now won 18 of their last 19 games against the Rebels and nine straight on home ice.
- Jakub Demek, Jacob Boucher, Simon Kubicek and Jaxsen Wiebe all picked up with their first career points as Oil Kings.
- Josh Williams now has four career hat-tricks and have all come in his last 33 games.
- Josh Williams became the first Oil Kings player in team history to register a hat-trick on opening night.
- Josh Williams now has 28 goals in his last 33 games.
- Sebastian Cossa is 18-1-0-1 in his last 20 starts with a 1.54gaa, .943svg and four shutouts.
- Jalen Luypen (suspension) and Dylan Guenther (return from NHL) camp are both expected to be in the Oil Kings lineup for tomorrow’s game.
Edmonton Oil Kings Season Seats, Flex-Packs, Weekend Passes and Single-Game tickets, for as low as $20 per game, are currently on sale at oilkings.ca.
The Oil Kings next home game is Friday, October 15 when they welcome the Lethbridge Hurricanes to Rogers Place at 7:00 P.M.
