Huxley and the Oilers look to take series lead

The Okotoks Oilers look to take their first series lead against the Brooks Bandits tonight (April 23) when they host game three of the seven-game series in the BCHL second round playoffs.

Brett Huxley, veteran forward for the Green and Gold had two goals in game two to split the series and bring momentum back to Okotoks for game three and four. Huxley missed some significant time this season after sustaining an injury but has felt great since returning to the team late in the BCHL season.

"It feels great, it was a long time there, it was tough sitting out and watching. Now that I'm back I feel great and just excited to be back," Huxley said.

Huxley would score the first goal in game two, catching the Bandits watching the puck and skated around Brooks' zone putting it short side in what looked like a classic goal from Colorado Avalanche legend Peter Forsberg.

"I picked the puck up, turned on the jets and wheeled around the zone. Kind of found some open ice and saw a spot on the short side and put it in. It felt good," he said.

"Using your body is huge, puck protection is a huge part, if you can keep the puck on your stick, it creates offense for your line. I try and do as much as I can."

The first game of the series saw Bandits goalie Johnny Hicks stop all 43 shots he faced; the loss didn't deter their spirits as they solved Hicks five times in game two.

"You got to give credit to their goalie, he played a really good game. We weren't upset with the game, obviously it was a loss but there was a lot of positives to take from it. We took that into Saturday nights (April 20) game and just built off it. Got some momentum going and then got the win on Saturday night which felt good," Huxley said.

The Oilers will look to continue the momentum swing and try to keep Brooks on their heels for game three tonight.

"Anytime you can take a game on the road in playoffs, especially a team like Brooks, it's huge. Now we are back at our rink with our fans, we are really excited to get going here," he said.

"Our fans are great, they are always cheering on and supporting us. You can hear it from on the ice, it really fuels us and gets us pumped up and ready to go."