The Trail Smoke Eaters close out the pre-Christmas portion of their 2025-26 schedule at home tonight against the Okotoks Oilers.
It’s the third game of the season series that started November 7 in Okotoks with the Oilers riding Brett Wilson’s hat trick to an 8-3 win and the Smokies rebounding with a 7-1 victory at Cominco Arena on November 22.
It was a total team effort that night with 11 players picking up at least one point, while defenseman Colton Whitfield was one of five Smokies who had a goal and an assist including his first BCHL goal.
Whitfield has shone since arriving from Tri City of the USHL.
The 19-year-old has a goal and six assists in his 14 games as a Smokie and has been a stalwart shut down rearguard in the defensive zone. Whitfield will be called upon to play a larger role tonight with Max Hense and Matthias Pape at the World Junior Championships with Team Germany.
Defenseman Ted Welander and fellow Swede and power forward Louis Jonerheim will also be unavailable as they went home for their Christmas break after last Friday’s 5-2 win over Brooks.
Although that means some line juggling, Trail’s top line remains intact.
Cash Carter, Erik Pastro and Christian Kim combined for seven points against the Bandits.
Kim has a team leading 28 points, two ahead of Carter who is tied for the team lead in goals with 11.
Wilson’s 26 points are setting the pace for the Oilers (12-12-1-1) who are leading Spruce Grove by just one point in the fierce fight for the fourth and final playoff spot in their division.
The Oilers opened a 4-1 third period lead last night in Cranbrook and held on for a 4-3 win over the Bucks, while the Smoke Eaters had Friday night off.
The Smokies (19-6) are riding a five-game home ice winning streak and are trying to keep division leading West Kelowna within reach. The Warriors are six points ahead of Trail with the Smokies holding two games in hand.
Opening face-off at Cominco Arena is set for 7 p.m. Good seats are still available at Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com.
