REBBECA JANE PHOTOGRAPHY SHERWOOD PARK – It took sixty minutes of regulation and a high-stakes overtime period, but the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Blue officially punched their ticket to the North Division Finals on Saturday afternoon. In a gritty display of resilience, the Oilers Blue overcame a multi-goal third-period deficit to defeat the Sherwood Park Kings …
REBBECA JANE PHOTOGRAPHY
SHERWOOD PARK – It took sixty minutes of regulation and a high-stakes overtime period, but the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Blue officially punched their ticket to the North Division Finals on Saturday afternoon. In a gritty display of resilience, the Oilers Blue overcame a multi-goal third-period deficit to defeat the Sherwood Park Kings 4-3 at the Randy Rosen Rink, completing a two-game sweep of the AEHL U18 AAA North Division Semifinals.
While Game 1 was a clinic in front-running dominance, Game 2 was a testament to the Oilers’ championship DNA. Trailing 3-1 late in the third period with their backs against the wall, Edmonton refused to let the series return to Bill Hunter Arena for a Game 3. Instead, they leaned on their depth and a relentless 55-shot barrage to break the Kings’ hearts on home ice.
Overall a very entertaining period. The Junior Oilers were finally able to solve Rinas. It was a big goal at the end of the period to tie it. The momentum shifted the other way after a little bit of troubles with not being able to put the puck in the back of the net. The Junior Oiler stayed resilient and Jaxson Kobe was able to score a massive tying goal. Sherwood Park was collapsing on their net all game and relied on catching the Junior Oilers in the offensive zone to get odd man rushes the other way. If it wasn’t for Rinas this game could have been out of hand early.
For the comeback I was standing up top with the Junior Oilers staff. I watched the game everywhere else in the rink, changing spots to try and get my superstitious mind out of it. I thought to myself when Jaxson Kobe scored I was standing with the staff. Then my superstituious mind kicked in. After the third goal for SP, I went up to the staff and Junior Oilers Team Operatons Director/ Great Friend, Rob Lee said “its not over yet”. Boy oh boy was he right. It was an astonishing comeback which shattered the hearts out of the Sherwood Park team who took it from us last year in game 3. In this very series the Junior Oilers got their revenge and it couldn’t be much sweeter. The sweetness part was seeing all of the Junior Oilers, staff, family, friends, and team celebrating. It was fun to be a fan and cheer on the team that I get a privilege to call. You can tell how much it means to this program and support system to get this win. The fashion they did it couldn’t be much better.
⭐ First Star: Ben Guimaraes (Forward) Guimaraes was a man on a mission in Game 2. He played a heavy, physical game from the opening puck drop, winning key battles along the boards and wearing down the Sherwood Park defense. His relentless net-front presence eventually paid off in the biggest way possible, as he stood his ground in traffic to tip home the overtime winner and secure the sweep.
⭐⭐ Second Star: Memphis Adeniken (Forward) When the Oilers Blue were down 3-1 and looking for a spark, Adeniken provided the lightning. After scoring a highlight-reel goal to cut the lead to one, he remained a threat every time he touched the ice. He ultimately picked up the secondary assist on the game-tying goal, finishing the night with two massive points and the momentum-swinging play of the game.
⭐⭐⭐ Third Star: Eric Ripka (Forward) The captain rose to the occasion when the pressure was at its peak. With the net empty and the clock ticking down, Ripka took a feed from Caswell and absolutely sniped the ” tying goal” into the back of the net. It was a clinical finish in the biggest moment of the series, providing the leadership and scoring touch needed to force overtime and keep the sweep alive. Of course Ripka was the guy to do it. what a stud.
Some Other Shoutouts: Brant Caswell, Hayden Rinas
Caswell had an elite game. He assisted two of the biggest goals that we’ve seen. Brant has been an elite Defender for this team and has continued to show it all playoffs long. He deserves some credit tonight. For Sherwood Park, I have to give some credit. Goaltender, Hayden Rinas was Elite all game and kept his team in it Stoping 51/55, Rinas was the star of the series for Sherwood Park. I have to give him some credit for his matchups against both Junior Oilers teams this playoffs.
With the sweep of the Kings complete, the Edmonton Jr. Oilers Blue now turn their attention to a heavyweight matchup in the North Division Finals. Their opponent is officially set: the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, who punched their ticket after a gritty 4-1 victory in a winner-take-all Game 3 against the St. Albert Raiders.
Fort Saskatchewan arrives in the North Final battle-tested. While the Oilers Blue battled through their sweep, the Rangers were forced to show their playoff mode in a grueling three-game set against the St. Albert Raiders. The Rangers clinched their spot with a 4-1 win in a tight Game 3, proving they can handle the pressure of a “win-or-go-home” scenario.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this North Division Final will advance to the AEHL U18 AAA Provincial Championship to face the best of the South. That bracket is currently being decided in a high-intensity South Final between the Calgary North Stars and the Northwest Flames.
Overall it was an excellent win for the Junior Oilers and one of the most fun games I have been to. This series when was huge win for the program and sets up and exciting series starting next week. It was exhilarating to see all the families and staff and the team celebrate this victory. I am thrilled to see and call this Fort Sask-Blue series. Every time these two teams play it is tight tight tight. Either way this was one of the most fun series I have seen since doing the commentating for this organization. I’m excited for this one and I’m sure blue is too. Go Oilers. Onwards,
Ewan Manning Jr Oilers Commentator
