A December to remember.
The Okotoks Oilers entered the holidays on a high note after picking up points in eight of nine games bookended by a four-game winning streak in a home-heavy month of action in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“It’s been a grind where we’ve played some tough opponents,” said Oilers rookie defenceman Ryan Roberts. “We’ve battled adversity with a lot of injuries, we’ve pushed through it and come from behind in a lot of games. Just never giving up and getting that extra goal.”
The green-and-gold posted a 7-1-1 record during the month and picked up at least one point in 12 of its past 13 games.
“We’ve been playing as a unit,” said Oilers alternate captain Trey DeGraaf. “We’re starting to get comfortable with each other. It’s a couple months into the season now. You start to gain chemistry with your linemates, your d-partners.
“It’s just been a good roll and hopefully we can keep it going in the new year.”
Okotoks has been doing its best work in front of its supporters.
Following a road-laden opening three months of the season, December saw Okotoks pick up 9 of a possible 10 points at the Pason Centennial Arena.
Through the first half of the season the Oilers have a stellar 11-2-1 mark at home.
“Playing all those road games, we had seven in a row there and that was a tough grind,” DeGraaf said. “It’s good to be back here with the fans. We play great here and feed off their energy.
“It’s a tough building for opposing teams to come into and play.”
The Oilers wrapped up the month by avoiding the pitfalls of a trap game.
Okotoks shook off an inauspicious opening frame to thump the Calgary Mustangs 7-3 in a balanced effort on Dec. 20.
Tanner Laderoute, DeGraaf, Roberts, Carter Huber, Cory Santoro, Carson Beers and Braeden Nesbitt all found the back of the net in the runaway triumph.
Riley Morris made 29 saves to pick up his 18th win of the season.
“The first period was pretty slow and coach (Tyler Deis) came in and laid down the law and told us what was up,” Roberts said. “We needed to get that last win and create some separation between us Camrose and the teams below us. We needed that win.”
The second seed in the South Division, Okotoks sits seven points back of Brooks for top-spot while owning a three point cushion on the third seed Calgary Canucks and six-point edge over the Camrose Kodiaks.
“We’re chasing that first, we don’t want second or third,” Roberts added. “We want to be that top team, that’s where we’re headed.”
The Oilers open 2017 in a home-and-home with the Drumheller Dragons, starting Jan. 3 in Okotoks.
For more information go to okotoksoilers.ca
