OKOTOKS, AB (March 9, 2025) – Kade Duell (Taber, AB) extended his point streak to six games during Saturday’s (March 7) game against Salmon Arm, but the Okotoks Oilers weren’t able to get the win, falling 6-2 at Viking Rentals Centre to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
Olivier Ciarlo (Laval, QB) made the start in goal for the Oilers, making 26 stops in the contest. Ciarlo stood tall in net during the first period, as he only allowed a goal near the end of the period and made 10 saves in the opening frame.
The Oilers were outshot in the first period 11-6, Payton Nelson broke open the scoring with less than a minute and a half to give the Silverbacks the 1-0 lead. Ryan Philbrick, Maddux Martin, and Aidan Willis would add to Salmon Arm’s lead in the second period to go up 4-0.
The Oilers wouldn’t roll over as they got some momentum to close out the second period, with two goals coming in 36 seconds. Ryan Boyce (Calgary, AB) produced his fifth goal of the season on a pretty passing play from Cyle Clayton (Strathmore, AB) and Duell. Clayton who had the puck at the blue line found an open Duell along the boards, Duell would then get the puck to Boyce who was standing near the paint and redirected it in passing Andrew Ballantyne (SIlverback’s goaltender) for the Oilers’ first goal.
With the assist, Duell has now collected eight goals and an assist for nine points in the last six games played by the Green and Gold.
Spencer Rheaume (Beaverlodge, AB) would score 36 seconds later after ripping the puck home in the slot. Hunter Sawka (Cochrane, AB) and Brock Souch (Edmonton, AB) picked up points on Rheaume’s goal with the helpers.
Okotoks would outshoot the Silverbacks in the third period as they carried momentum into the frame, but it was Scott Miner and Easton Walos getting goals for Salmon Arm for the only goals scored in the third period.
The Green and Gold will play a rare Wednesday night game when they head to Blackfalds on March 12 to face the Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. MDT.
Recap: Scott Savard
Photos: Chad Goddard
About the Okotoks Oilers
The Okotoks Oilers are a not-for-profit, community-run junior hockey franchise competing in the BCHL and operating out of Viking Rentals Centre. The Oilers are currently in their 20th year of play and their first full season since officially joining the BCHL in January 2024. For more information, visit okotoksoilers.com or follow the Oilers on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
