Oilers aim to even series with Vees as they head back home to Okotoks for games three and four

OKOTOKS, AB (April 7, 2025) – The Okotoks Oilers are down 2-0 in the first-round series of the 2025 Rogers BCHL Playoffs against the Penticton Vees, but they aren’t out as games three and four will be played on their home ice at Viking Rentals Centre.

The Green and Gold have gone three games without putting the puck in the back of the Vees net, dating back to March 22. While the Oilers haven’t been able to beat Will Ingemann and Ethan Buenaventura in the past three games against the Vees, Okotoks had seven different players pick goals in the first three meetings against Penticton.

It’s no secret that the Oilers have played better at home this season with a 14-11-2-0 record, which was a key factor in Okotoks clinching a playoff spot in the 2025 BCHL Playoffs. The next two games at Viking Rentals Centre give the team a chance to regroup, feed off the energy of the Green Army and attempt to force the series to go back to Penticton.

Olivier Ciarlo (Laval, QB) has been a bright spot for the Oilers as he’s made a total of 69 saves in games one and two combined. Ciarlo who was awarded as the Oilers MVP of the 2024-2025 season has given his team a chance each night during the postseason so far.

Another positive the team can take away from the first two postseason games in Penticton is that their PK has been firing on all cylinders, which wasn’t the case during the regular season, especially on the road. The Oilers have killed off eight of the nine penalties they have faced in their series for an 88.9 penalty-kill percentage.

Kade Duell (Taber, AB) who led the team in goals and points is due to pick up some points in games three and four as he hasn’t gone without a point in three straight games since October 5, 2024.

The Oilers believe that the series is going to be a long one against the Vees and they can start climbing back on Tuesday (April 8) with game three set for 7:00 p.m. MDT at Viking Rentals Centre. Game four will be played a day later on Wednesday.

As for the rest of the first round in the 2025 Rogers BCHL Playoffs:

Coastal Conference:

Chilliwack Chiefs 2-0 Prince George Spruce Kings

Surrey Eagles 1-1 Alberni Valley Bulldogs

Victoria Grizzlies 2-0 Coquitlam Express

Cowichan Capitals 2-0 Nanaimo Clippers

Interior Conference:

Brooks Bandits 1-1 West Kelowna Warriors

Trail Smoke Eaters 1-1 Cranbrook Bucks

Sherwood Park Crusaders 2-0 Salmon Arm Silverbacks