The NAIT Ooks host the Red Deer Kings in game two of the best-of-five finals. The Ooks look to knot the series at one tonight.
The Ooks were the better team in the opening few minutes, controlling play in the offensive zone. Ooks were using their speed to force turnovers from the Kings' defenceman and quickly transitioning the puck, generating a few chances off the rush. Kings netminder, Arik Weersink, was tested early. The Ooks continued to press, winning the races and battles to pucks in the offensive zone. The Kings came within an eyelash of breaking the deadlock on a breakaway, but Jacob Wozney put it high and wide. The physicality started to ramp up as you could sense the hatred from both clubs. The score remained 0-0 after one.
The Ooks started the second frame where they left off. They were awarded a powerplay early and made no mistake. Eric Lacombe found a loose puck and beat Weersink on the glove side to give the Ooks a 1-0 lead. Just moments later, Hayden Clayton received a pass in the slot and fired one over the glove of Ryley Oslandto knot things back up at one. The Ooks had a glorious opportunity to take the lead as Josh Lazowski was left all alone in front, but Weersink was there to deny him. The Ooks went to the kill, and the Kings capitalized thanks to Chance Longjohn, and the Kings took a 2-1 lead to the break.
The Ooks came out of the gates pressing for the equalizer. It was all Ooks in the early portions as they had Red Deer on their heels, using their speed off the rush. The Ooks were having success working it from low to high with traffic in front but couldn't beat Weersink. The Kings missed an opportunity to expand their lead off an Osland turnover, but he recovered, making a desperate save to keep the Ooks within a goal. The Ooks had all the momentum in the latter half of the third in an attempt to tie the hockey game. With the goalie pulled, the Ooks had plenty of chances to force overtime, but Weersink was outstanding all night. The Kings walked away with a 2-1 victory on the road, and they take a 2-0 series lead into next weekend.