Okotoks Oilers look to take advantage of home ice as battle against Brooks Bandits continues
The Okotoks Oilers and Brooks Bandits always seem to face each other in the playoffs, and that's led to a great rivalry between the two clubs.
The Oilers and Bandits are squaring off against each other again this post-season, and Okotoks is back home after gaining a split in the first two games of the series.
The Bandits took Game 1, 3-2, and the Oilers returned the favour in Game 2, beating the Bandits with the same score.
Head coach Tyler Deis says that's exactly what his club was looking for.
"It's a hard rink to play in and at the end of the day, you know, if we could get a split in that rink, we'd definitely be super happy," he said.
"But, you know, it's just one game and it's still a long series here, but we're excited about it and if we can stick to our game plan, good things can happen."
YODER SCORES GAME-WINNER TO EVEN THE SERIES
In Game 2, Ty Yoder ended up scoring the winning goal with six minutes left in the game.
His goal made it 3-1 and the Oilers held on for a 3-2 victory.
He says it's exciting to be back home with the series and explains what happened on the game-winner.
"Well, it started off in the defensive zone," he told CTV News.
"My defenceman pinched in to try and make an offensive play and the breakout went to (Brett) Huxley and I just busted the zone and was fortunate enough to get the puck and get a breakaway and score."
SAWKA DENIES FINK ON PENALTY SHOT
Yoder wasn't the only hero for the Oilers.
Earlier in the third period, AJHL MVP Aiden Fink was awarded a penalty shot, but he couldn't beat Parker Sawka.
Sawka says he felt pretty calm.
"I wouldn't say I was nervous at all," he said.
"Like, I didn't really feel nervous. I was more excited for the opportunity. Like, it's cool, the best player in the league coming down, so it's kind of a big opportunity for myself to kind of prove to everyone that I can stop him."
BIG RIVALRY
The Oilers say now it's important they take advantage of home ice.
Deis says he never has any trouble getting his players ready to play the Bandits.
"It's kind of an exciting thing, right? We've always created this great rivalry against them," he said.
"I believe they enjoy playing against us and it's just one of those ones that over the past six or seven years, it's just one of those when the two teams get together, it's going to be good hockey."
Game 3 is on Tuesday night and Game 4 is on Wednesday night.
Puck drop for both games will be at 7 p.m. at Centennial Arena in Okotoks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.