It could be a long season for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.

The MOB are coming off their first road trip of the season – which saw them lose Friday night to Spruce Grove 6-nothing – followed by Saturday’s 4-1 loss in Sherwood Park.

The losses drop the MOB to 1-3 on the season.

Head Coach Bob Beatty tells Mix News his team simply did not play well enough this weekend.

“We did not play to our capabilities and Sherwood Park and Spruce Grove are perennial contenders. They are really strong hockey clubs this year. We’ve got a long way to go to match their skill set.”

To make matters worse, the Barons are just 1-for-22 on the powerplay to start the year.

With three straight losses – Beatty says it’s been as tough of a start to a season as you could ask for.

“We can’t take anything for granted, can’t take any nights off, can’t take any shifts off. It’s going to be good to help us build good habits because otherwise, we’ll be embarrassed if we don’t play simple, smart hockey.”

Beatty notes that since they scored five goals in their season opener against the Grande Prairie Storm – the offence has dried up.

“We are not generating enough offensive zone time because we’re not playing very efficiently behind our own red line to create enough offensive zone time. We just have to play smarter and keep the game simple.”

The Barons hit the ice again Tuesday at the Casman Centre – looking to rebound against the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

Puck drop for that contest is 7:30 p.m.