BLACKFALDS, AB (February 14, 2023) – Despite a 41-29 shot advantage for the visiting Okotoks Oilers, Blackfalds Bulldogs’ leading scorers Tyler Wallace and Brett Meerman scored five points apiece, en route to a 5-1 win for the host team on Tuesday night.
Wallace led the way with 4 goals and an assist on the night, while veteran goalie Matthew Hennessey made 40 saves.
The Oilers started off strong, scoring at the 1:20 mark of the first period, a goal by rookie forward Hunter Sawka (Cochrane, AB) off a deflected point shot by Jagger Tapper (Calgary, AB). However, the Bulldogs would storm back into the game with 2 first period goals of their own and take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission, both deflections that trickled by rookie goalie Alex Scheiwiller (Calgary, AB), the first from Wallace and the second from Jayden Joly who tipped a Wallace shot.
Things did not get better for the Oilers as a second period powerplay goal for Wallace made it 3-1 after 2. Blackfalds added two more in the third; the first a Wallace power play rebound goal, and the second an empty netter for his fourth of the game. With the win, Blackfalds is now tied with the Oilers for 2nd place in the AJHL South Division. A rematch of this game takes place on Saturday.
Special teams were key in the game; the Bulldogs went a perfect 3 for 3 , with Okotoks going 0 for 2 on the power play. Scheiwiller, in relief of the injured Parker Sawka (Cochrane, AB), made 24 saves in the effort.
The Oilers return to action Friday at home against the Whitecourt Wolverines at 7 PM. Tickets are available at tickets.okotoksoilers.ca.