A rookie-laden Edmonton Oil Kings squad sure made some noise this weekend in northeastern British Columbia. And while remembering it’s only preseason, a pair of victories by wide margins should raise a few eyebrows as Edmonton cruised past the Prince George Cougars 8-1 on Sunday, following a 6-0 victory two nights before at Tumber Ridge, B.C. The Oil Kings took a 2-1 lead after one period before piling up six more goals to convincingly down the host Cougars. Edmonton was led offensively by 17-year-old newcomer Jonas Vanicek, who notched two goals in the effort. Forward Aaron Obobaifo paced the Oil Kings with two goals in Friday’s effort, with Vanicek contributing three points on one goal and two assists, while veteran goalie Ethan Simcoe played the full 60 minutes in the shutout. Twelve of the 18 Oil Kings skaters in both games were rookies. The Oil Kings are coming off a 45-18-5 campaign last regular season. They lost their opening round playoff series in seven games to the Saskatoon Blades. The Cougars finished last season with a 44-22-2 record and made it to the second round of the postseason, dropping their final series to the Penticton Vees in six games. Rebels drop 2 close ones to Calgary The Calgary Hitmen managed to get the better of their closest rival team, the Red Deer Rebels, eking out a pair of 3-2 preseason wins in a home-and-home set to start the preseason. Winger Julien Maze paced the Hitmen with two goals in Friday’s win at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the T’suut’ina Nation that borders Calgary, while defenceman Calder Hamilton led the way with a goal and an assist in the rematch that went to overtime the next night at Red Deer’s Marchant Crane Centrium. Centre Cameron Kuzma factored in on both Rebels goals Saturday at home (one goal, one assist).
