The Drumheller Dragons are back home following a trip up north.
    On Saturday, October 19, the Dragons were in Fort McMurray to face Canada’s number one Junior A team, the Oil Barons.  
    The Dragons came out of the gate looking strong. Ryan Suchorab gave the Dragons a big 1-0 lead several minutes into the game, but the Oil Barons tied the game up soon after.
    The Dragons fought hard, but the Oil Barons racked up three more goals over the next two periods for a 4-1 win over the Dragons.
    “We made four or five mistakes and they cost us, but in the first period we came out and had a very good period. In all honesty, we could’ve been up by a couple more goals,” said Brian Curran, head coach and general manager of the Dragons. “They’re the number one ranked team in Canada, so when you make mistakes, they capitalize.”
    The following afternoon, the Dragons were on the road against the Bonnyville Pontiacs, where they won 5-3.
    “I was impressed with our game on Sunday, especially considering we pulled in to Bonnyville around 5 a.m. and played at 2 p.m.,” said Curran. “Not a lot of rest, but our guys came through.”
    Dakota Zaharichuk gave the Dragons a 1-0 lead with only ten seconds left in the first period. The Pontiacs tied things up 13 minutes into the second period.
    The Dragons shook off their fatigue and came out strong in the third.
    “In the third period, we played like we should’ve played and got rewarded,” said Curran.
    Dallas Smith gave the Dragons a 2-1 lead on a powerplay four minutes in the third, but the Pontiacs won the subsequent face off and took the puck to the back of the Dragons net to tie the game at 2 apiece.
    Three back-to-back goals gave the Dragons the win. Ethan James was on fire and scored twice, with help from Rory Davidson, at 7:28 and 8:36 in the third. Mitchell Cook added the Dragons fifth goal four minutes later.
    The Pontiacs tried to mount a comeback, but could only muster one more goal late in the game.
    The wins give the Dragons a 7-7-2 record and third spot in the AJHL Souther Division. At this time last year, the Dragons were struggling with a 4-11-1 record.
    “We’re starting to find ourselves now. With the trades and acquisitions of players, we’re getting closer,” said Curran.  “There are signs of improvement. We’re significantly ahead in goals for, but our goals against are atrocious this year. We need to have a commitment to our zone and winning battles. If we get that, we’ll do much better.”
    The Dragons recently acquired some key players. Trent Oullette, Troy Gedny, Adam Beukeboom, and Jonny Hogue  have joined the team in past several weeks. Oullette in particular has been making his presence felt with 6 goals and 3 assists in only 6 games.
    “He’s got the ability to be a dominating player in this league,” said Curran.
    Curtis Skip remains out of the lineup for the next few days following an injury he sustained on October 16. Beukeboom and Hogue will man the net for now.
    The Dragons also let go of goalie Steven Glass.
    “It was tough to make the decision on Steven Glass. I wish him the best of luck, he’s a great kid,” said Curran.
    The Dragons are on the road on Thursday, but return home for a weekend double header. On Saturday at 7 p.m., they host the Calgary Mustangs and on Sunday at 2 p.m., the Camrose Kodiaks.

    Dragons goalie Curtis Skip has been selected for the Canada West Selection Camp for the 2013 World Junior A Challenge.  
    The 1994-born goalie came to the Drumheller Dragons this season  and has slipped into the starting role. In 10 games, he has .915 save per cent.
    “That is a big honour,” said Dragons coach Brian Curran.
    Before coming to Drumheller Skip played two seasons playing for his hometown Grande Prairie Storm.
    This is his second time he has been selected for the camp.  Curran says there are a number of factors that set him apart as a player.
    “It is his ability, his record, his wins and losses, and they know his character,” said Curran. “It is not only his ability to be a very good goal tender, it is his character, work ethic, practice habits… what sets him  apart is his will to be the best.”
    The 2013 World Junior A Challenge is in Nova Scotia and teams from Canada; east and west, Russia,  The United States, the Czech Republic and Switzerland will be competing.  It runs from November 2 to November. 10.
    The selection camp runs October 26 to 30 and 66 players are invited. The camp will be at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. Jason McKee, coach of the Spruce Grove Saints is head coach.
    “There is tremendous talent in Canada’s five western Junior A leagues, and it was a challenge to select only 66 to invite,” McKee said. “We’re excited for the potential of this group, and we can’t wait to get on the ice in Calgary and choose the 22 who will wear the red and white in Yarmouth.”
    Coach Curran is hopeful that Skip will be able to make the selection camp. At last Wednesday’s game, he was injured.
    “Hopefully it does work out. The effort that you see and what he does everyday and how he performs is a honour just to be invited to the camp.”
    “Not only is it great for him as a player and teammate, but it helps to see that he is a part of your team and the organization is recognized.”