The Spruce Grove Saints dropped a pivotal matchup against the Okotoks Oilers on Friday night, falling 3-1 and slipping five points back of the final playoff spot.
Oilers goaltender Olivier Ciarlo was the difference-maker, standing tall between the pipes and keeping the Saints off the scoreboard for nearly the entire game. After a scoreless opening period, Okotoks broke through with a pair of goals in the middle frame, building a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Despite a late push from Spruce Grove, the Oilers sealed the win with an empty-netter in the third. Josh Polak managed to spoil Ciarlo’s shutout bid with just 30 seconds left, but it wasn’t enough to spark a last-minute comeback.
The Saints will look to bounce back against the Blackfalds Bulldogs as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Final Score: 3-2 OKO
Shots on Goal: 32-26 OKO
Three Stars:
- Olivier Ciarlo
- Jackson Rowland
- Ryder De Nys
