OKOTOKS, AB (September 3, 2021) ““ Jagger Tapper (Calgary, AB) broke a scoreless tie in the second period, and the Okotoks Oilers extended their pre-season record to 2-0 with a 3-1 win over the visiting Calgary Canucks on Friday night.
The Oilers returned to Pason Centennial Arena for the first time in front of a crowd not legally restricted to 100 since February of 2020, a more than year and a half stretch.
QUICK HITS: The Oilers return home in front of their fans and down the Calgary Canucks 3-1, getting goals from Jagger Tapper, Ryan Neumann, and Bowden Singleton!
Stick tap to @primetimeklein on the call tonight! #AJHL pic.twitter.com/iMbLGANcQ0
“” Okotoks Oilers (@OkotoksOilers) September 4, 2021
Despite an early 12-5 shot advantage for the home side, the game remained scoreless through 20, with the biggest first period highlight being a sensational save by Oiler goalie Austin Zavoda (Hershey, PA), who reached behind himself and used his stick to deflect away a sure breakaway goal by Calgary forward Justin Barker.
Just over six minutes into the second, Okotoks got on the board when Tapper stole a puck at the half wall, cut into the high slot, and fired a shot into the Calgary net. After two, the Oilers had outshot Calgary 26-14 but held only the 1-0 lead.
In the third, the Canucks tied the game just over halfway through when Easton Inglis tipped home a Braeden Donnelly point shot. But it would be the only blemish on relief goaltender Alexander Scheiweller (Calgary, AB) on the night, as he shut the door the rest of the way including an excellent cross-crease pad save on a late Calgary power play.
Ryan Neumann (Calgary, AB) notched the game winner at the 12:49 mark when he backhanded home a rebound goal after Dean Spak (Calgary, AB) had driven to the net to create the chance. Then, with the Canucks pressing late on a power play and with an empty net, Bowden Singleton (Calgary, AB) intercepted a Canuck pass in their zone and quickly spun and fired the puck home to notch the 3-1 final.
The Oilers will meet the Canucks Saturday night for the rematch at Henry Viney Arena in Calgary. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.
Photo: Chad Goddard Photography