Game Preview: The Blackfalds Bulldogs kick of their post-season Friday evening in Okotoks versus the Oilers. The Bulldogs went 28-31-1 during their inaugural season in the AJHL, which was good enough for fifth in the AJHL South. Blackfalds found its groove down the stretch, posting seven wins in its last 10 games.
The Okotoks Oilers finished with a 28-28-4 record, which had them in fourth in the AJHL South once the season came to a close. The Oilers had just three wins in their last 10 games.
You can catch Friday’s game from Okotoks on the Bulldogs Radio Network with Braden Malsbury. You can also watch the action on HockeyTV.
Season Series: The Blackfalds Bulldogs were 2-4 versus the Okotoks Oilers throughout the regular season. The Oilers took the last matchup 3-0 Feb. 26 at the Eagle Builders Centre. If the Bulldogs would have won that game in regulation, they would have leapfrogged the Oilers and earned home ice advantage in the opening round of the AJHL playoffs.
Players to Watch: Blackfalds Bulldogs forward Brett Meerman had an excellent campaign, recording 62 points in 60 games this season. The Blackfalds, AB product had five points in six games this season against Okotoks. Meerman finished the campaign in 17th in AJHL scoring.
Bulldogs forward Jason Siedem had 43 points in 45 games with Blackfalds after being acquired in a trade from the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals. The New Jersey product tallied five points in five games versus the Oilers in the regular season.
It was a magical season for Okotoks Oilers forward Rieger Lorenz. The Calgary, AB product had 85 points in 60 games. Lorenz, who is committed to the University of Denver, finished fifth in AJHL scoring.
Another Okotoks player to keep an eye on is forward Bowden Singleton. The Calgary product had 59 points in 60 games. He is committed to the University of North Dakota.
Round One Schedule:
Game 1: Friday, March 4 @ Okotoks 7 PM
Game 2: Saturday, March 5 @ Okotoks 7 PM
Game 3: Tuesday, March 8 @ Blackfalds 7 PM
Game 4: Wednesday, March 9 @ Blackfalds 7 PM
Game 5: Friday, March 11 @ Okotoks 7PM *
Game 6: Sunday, March 13 @ Blackfalds 6 PM *
Game 7: Tuesday, March 15 @ Okotoks 7 PM *
* if necessary