Ooks over Kings in Edmonton to share top spot

Brent Forster - RDC with information from Sam Nahrgang, NAIT Athletics

EDMONTON, ALTA. - The NAIT Ooks Men's Hockey team skated to a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes and eventually defeated the RDC Kings 10-1 Friday night at the NAIT Arena. 

The Ooks came out firing on all cylinders to begin the new year. They rolled to an 8-0 lead until RDC's Chase Thudium found the back of the net at 14:12 of the second period. Tanner Butler and Ryley Smith had the helpers. Adding a pair in the third, NAIT sealed a 10-1 home decision.

NAIT saw points from 14 different players, outshooting the Kings 48-28. The Ooks' Brendan Jensen made 18 saves before being pulled from the game for precautionary reasons after a collision. Patrick Gora allowed one goal on ten shots in replacement of Jensen. 

"Overall it was a solid effort and we got a few favourable bounces. We need to be prepared for tomorrow, they are a good team and will respond with a strong effort," said NAIT Ooks Head Coach, Tim Fragle.

Scott Ferguson received the Kings Player-of-the-Game while Brayden Harris picked up the award for the Ooks.

The NAIT Ooks improve to 11-4 and now sit tied atop the ACAC standings with RDC (10-4-1-1).

On Saturday at 7:00 p.m., the two teams will play in Red Deer at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre for sole possession of top spot in the standings.