Young Stars GDB 1.0 Wrap Up: Beau Akey scores first goal with Edmonton Oilers in 3-1 win over Winnipeg Jets
10 months ago
The rookie Oilers got off to a great start at the Penticton Young Stars tournament.
On Friday night, the rookie Oilers kicked off their tournament, taking on Winnipeg and defeating them 3-1.
Let’s look at the Oilersnation’s Player of the Game, as well as some players worth mentioning.
Oilersnation’s Player of the Game: Jake Sloan
It’s time to get Sloany, baby! The 19-year-old right-shot centre scored the first two Oilers goals. The first one was a deflection on a Beau Akey shot (we’ll get to him), and you can watch that below.
The second goal, he was involved in the forecheck and was in the right place at the right time, giving the Oilers the eventual winning goal.
Not just that, but Sloan was involved on the penalty kill, forcing a turnover and allowing the Oilers to kill over half a minute on the kill.
The Leduc, Alberta native played for the Tri-City Americans in 2022-23, scoring a career-high 20 goals and 55 points, as well as three goals in six playoff games. If he has games like this, he could earn an opportunity to play for Edmonton’s ECHL team or AHL team.
YOUNG STARS WRAP UP PRESENTED BY BETWAY
Things worth mentioning
Beau Akey finished the game with an assist and a goal, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The 56th overall pick showed off his smooth skating and vision on the powerplay. He’ll spend at least another season with the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts, but this selection looks pretty good.
Xavier Bourgault is the Oiler prospect to watch in this tournament. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he showcased nasty hands, beating his defender several times. The 22nd overall in 2021 played his first season professionally in 2022-23, scoring 13 goals and 34 points in 62 games with the Bakersfield Condors. It’ll be a big season for the 20-year-old.
Jayden Grubbe saved the Oilers lead late in the second period with a great stick on the back check. This gave the good guys a great opportunity to expand their lead (with Akey bringing the puck up the ice). Edmonton traded for Grubbe in late May, moving a fifth-rounder for the former third-round selection. Seems like a great move.
The rookie Oilers power play isn’t as good as the Edmonton Oilers power play by any means. They only scored one goal in eight attempts, including over two minutes on 5 on 3s. It doesn’t matter too much, but this game could’ve been much worse for the Jets if the Oilers capitalized on their chances.
It won’t be too long before the Oilers play their next game, as they take on the Calgary Flames at 8:30 MT on Saturday. It’ll be a fun game!
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