Okotoks Bowmark Oilers suffer a loss in Circle K Classic opener

It was a hard-fought loss for the Okotoks Bowmark Oilers last night (Dec. 27) in the first round of the Circle K Classic U18 AAA tournament.

Though the Oilers put away five in the high-scoring round one opener, it wasn’t enough to stave off the St. Louis AAA Blues, who came away with a 9-5 win.

Both teams were neck and neck at the end of the first period with three goals apiece, but St. Louis gained the upper hand in the second.

Okotoks entered the third period down 8-5, with their opponent notching one more before the end.

Bowmark Oilers goalie Carter Esler stopped 28 of the 37 shots sent his way.

Up next, the Oilers face the Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX), in what’s sure to be another tough matchup.

NAX sits atop the 2023-2024 Canadian Sport School Hockey League U18 standings with an 18-3 record.

They defeated fellow Pool 6 competitors the Valley West Giants 8-3 in another high-scoring match last night.

The Okotoks squad faces NAX today at 10:30 a.m.

Then on Dec. 29, they finish the first round with a bout against the Valley West Giants at 6:15 p.m.

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