MARK PYSYK WHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Press Release

CALGARY, AB. – The WHL Player of the Week is defenceman Mark Pysyk of the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Pysyk picked up six points, scoring two goals and four assists to go with a +3 rating, in two games over the past week, helping the Oil Kings to a 2-0-0-0 record.

On Wednesday, December 1st, the Oil Kings hosted the Prince Albert Raiders at Rexall Place in Edmonton. Pysyk collected two assists and was named the games 1st Star as the Oil Kings succumb to the Raiders 5-4 in the shoot-out. On Friday, December 3rd, the Brandon Wheat Kings were in Edmonton to face the Oil Kings. Pysyk scored once, added three assists and was named the games 2nd Star as the Oil Kings doubled up the Wheat Kings 8-4.

Pysyk has racked up nine points in his last four games bringing his season point total to 14 (1 goal, 13 assists) in 23 games played. The Edmonton Oil Kings have gone undefeated through regulation in their last five games (4-0-0-1) and currently sit 5th in the WHL Central Division with a 12-14-0-2 record.

Pysyk, an 18 year old from Sherwood Park, AB, is playing his third full season with the Edmonton Oil Kings who made him their first ever selection at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft taking the rear-guard 3rd overall. The 1st round – 23 overall selection of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2010 NHL Draft recently played for Team WHL at the Subway Super Series, while also being named to Team Canada's World Junior Selection Camp.

The WHL has also nominated Darcy Kuemper of the Red Deer Rebels for the CHL Goaltender of the Week Award. Kuemper posted a 2-0-0-0 record this past week with one shut-out, stopping 58 of 60 shots faced for a 1.000 goals-against average and 0.967 save percentage. Kuemper, a native of Saskatoon, SK, led the Rebels to a 3-0 win over the Prince Albert Raiders and a 5-2 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)