Game Preview: The Blackfalds Bulldogs will be looking to end a two-game slide Saturday on home ice when they host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. The Bulldogs are coming off a 6-2 loss Friday at the Eagle Builders Centre to the Spruce Grove Saints. Blackfalds is currently sitting in sixth in the AJHL South with its 15-25-1 record.
The Fort McMurray Oil Barons search for their fourth straight win Saturday in Blackfalds. The Oil Barons tamed the Grizzlys in Olds 3-2 on Friday evening. Fort McMurray controls second in the AJHL North with its 32-9-0 record.
Saturday’s matchup between the Bulldogs and Oil Barons is the final one of the campaign between the two hockey clubs. The Oil Barons have won the previous two meetings and they took the last matchup 5-2 in Fort McMurray back on Nov. 13.
Siedem: Blackfalds Bulldogs forward Jason Siedem is riding a three-game point streak entering Saturday’s matchup. The New Jersey product has six points during that span. Siedem has recorded 24 points in 26 games with the Bulldogs since coming over in a trade with the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Harding Gone: The Oil Barons are now without the services of defenceman Taige Harding. The St. Albert product has joined the Providence Friars in the NCAA ranks. Harding was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2021 NHL Draft. He recorded 37 points in 37 games with the Oil Barons this season.
Looking Ahead: Following Saturday’s contest with Fort McMurray, the Blackfalds Bulldogs will prepare for three more home games next week. The Bulldogs host the Drumheller Dragons Jan. 19, Olds Grizzlys Jan. 21 and the Olds Grizzlys Jan. 22.