Ooks Lose at Home to RDP Kings

On Saturday night the NAIT Ooks hosted the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings in Edmonton. After a game delay due to a pane of glass breaking, both teams we're ready to continue the action of their weekend double header. The night prior the two teams met in Red Deer for an action-packed game in which NAIT took home the win 6-4.

The first period was drastically different than Friday's game as both teams struggled to find early shots on target. Despite the minimal action, NAIT's Bidewell made some essential saves to keep the game 0-0. Both teams also stayed out of the penalty box in the first period, resulting in near constant end to end action. Late in the period, RDP's Kristian Lyon made an exceptional save to keep the game a draw at 0-0. This first period saw strong defense from both teams, both clearly looking to avoid a blow out similar to the night prior.

The first period ended 0-0.

The second period saw both teams ramp up the offensive action. The Kings scored first with Ryland McNinch finding the net against Bidewell on an assist from Nolan Doell. Shortly after, the Kings doubled their lead as Doell scored on an assist from Tanner Sklaruk.  Working to keep the game within striking distance NAIT looked to Keegan Tiringer to score on an assist from Bjorn Robinson and Drae Gardiner. Just when the Ooks thought they had regained control of the period, the Kings scored again with Liam Stalwick finding the back of the net. The goal was assisted Easton Haygarth. With momentum on their side, the Kings kept attacking and found success once again on a goal by Jaxon Steele.  The goal was assisted by Chase Haygarth. To make matters worse for the home team, the Ooks spent some of the final minutes of the half killing a Kings powerplay. The Kings goalie, Lyon, was also essential to the Kings taking lead this period, as he ensured various NAIT opportunities were shut down.

The second period ended at 4-1 for Kings.

In the final period of the game both teams struggled to maintain quality possession. Once again Bidewell was strong for Ooks saving some exceptional chances from the Kings. Halfway through the period the Kings scored again on the powerplay with Jacob Wozney scoring on an assist from Erik Miller. Almost immediately after, Kings goalie Lyon make a breakaway save on the Ooks, maintaining their 5-1 lead.

Red Deer Polytechnic won the game 5-1.

Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Player of the Game # 12 Nolan Doell

NAIT Ooks Player of the Game #6 Keegan Tiringer