Canada recorded 9 spuds on April 22, less than half the 30-day average of 20.4 per day and up from 3 the prior day but well below the prior week's 109-spud total. The active rig count stands at 139 as of April 17, down 2 week-over-week and off from 149 four weeks ago, consistent with spring breakup pressure. Strathcona Resources, Teine Energy, and Cenovus Energy led today's spud activity. Year-to-date spuds of 3,559 trail the same period last year by 14.6%, a gap that warrants monitoring as the season progresses.