The Dragons continue to be busy in the offseason acquiring two new players and then fortifying its coaching staff.
On June 29, the squad announced it had signed defenseman Troy Dudley and forward Leif Mattson. And then on July 7 announced they have signed Darryl Olsen as assistant coach.
Dudley is a 17-year-old defenseman from Edmonton and was acquired from the Spruce Grove Saints last season. Playing for the Edmonton Canadians Midget AAA he had 6 goals and 11 assists in 27 games.
“Troy was one of our top priorities in recruiting this year as he is a great skating defenseman with strong puck moving skills and excellent hockey sense,” said coach Brian Curran.
On the offensive side of the puck the Dragons picked up 17-year-old Leif Mattson from the Brooks Bandits. Originally from Thompson, Manitoba, he played for the St. Albert Raiders and has 21 goals and 13 assists in 30 games.
“Leif is a young power forward with both a great shot and hockey sense. I look forward to working with Leif and helping him attain his goals. I believe Mattson will be a player to watch now and in the future,” said Curran.
While the team added young players, they found some strong experience in the acquisition of Coach Olsen.
“I took my time; I had some very strong candidates for the position,” said Curran. “I felt with a young team this year and what I’m trying to do I needed a little more experience and with Darryl that is what I get. Darryl not only has played the game at the highest level but he has been teaching skill development for the last several years and has had a lot of success in moving players to the highest level. I felt this was key for me this season as I want to have the right tools to help this team be successful and I feel Darryl will be a great addition to the Dragons.”
Originally from Alberta, Olsen has played and coached throughout North America and Europe, from the junior ranks NCAA, all the way up to the pros. He is relocating from Salt Lake City to coach in Drumheller.
“I am very thankful that Brian Curran and the Drumheller Dragons are giving me the opportunity to join such a great organization. I take great pride in being a development coach focused on skills. I am very excited to have the opportunity to help develop this group of young players and watch them grow and have success during the season,” said Olsen.
