The Bantam 1 Oilers finished first in their league this year, and in recent weeks added the title “champions” to their resume twice.
They beat Lethbridge in a two-game series to become Zone 5 champions, and this past weekend they defeated Chestermere two games to one in a three-game final to earn the title of Central Alberta Hockey League champions.
The team is a balanced mix of first and second-year Bantam players who have developed into formidable competitors. Early in the season the coaches selected a talented group who were able to pull out wins by outworking their opposition and by capitalizing on their individual skills and efforts. As the season draws to a close, the coaches can finish with the assurance that they have molded the boys into a well functioning unit.
Scoring is balanced, but led by the league leader in points, Devin MacArthur.
Backstopped by the very capable goaltending of Dallen Garraway and Aaron MacKay, the team has team has had an often stingy defense and an aggressive, volatile offense as two of their hallmark traits. The team has outscored their opponents this season by a tally of 159 to 92.
At the time of this posting, the team was off to Lethbridge to compete for the Provincial banner, with hopes to add a third and ultimate “champions” title to their legacy.
