It wasn’t the end of a hockey season that Dragons fans were looking forward to, but at the same time the Dragons went out with a win.
Concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, of course, ended the hockey season across the country. The Drumheller Dragons had defeated the Olds Grizzlys in the first round and were literally hours away from stepping on to the ice with the Brooks Bandits when Hockey Canada suspended all activity.
For coach and general manager Kevin Hasselberg, it was understandable, but also unfortunate, especially for his senior players.
“The most troubling is obviously the 20-year-olds that didn’t get a chance to finish what they started at the end of their junior career,” he said. “As an organization, we’ll get another chance, and every time we build our hockey team it is with the intention to give ourselves the best chance to win it all when all is said and done. We are going to continue on with that attitude and that belief in our mission, but it definitely has to sting for the 20-year-olds, and we feel for them.”
It was a great season for the Dragons and local hockey fans. The team finished the regular season with a 37-18-3 record for third place in the AJHL Viterra South. This tied their team record for most wins in a season, and 249 goals were their most ever in a season. Similarly, this year they had their fewest number of goals scored against them with 168, and the longest winning streak with 10 games. Brady Risk became the Dragons’ career scoring leader. Eric Martin has the most assists in a season.
“Those individuals will forever be etched in Drumheller Dragons history, and I know speaking on behalf of the organization, I couldn’t be more proud,” said Hasselberg. “Good things happen to good people and anyone who breaks a record, whether franchise-related or individual, it all happened because they were good people and put in the work, and developed a culture based on the work.”
The Dragons also saw many players earn the opportunity to play at the post-secondary level. There are many players on this roster who will be playing throughout Canada and the U.S. at the college level.
“That’s the goal when you build that culture and you get players who are committed to the development of their game both academically and athletically, it puts things into real perspective,” he said. “This is about furthering their career both in hockey and whatever career path they choose through education. Everything is earned, so these young men who are moving on their commitment to excellence, their ambition, drive and determination all play a part into why they are being successful now.”
Looking towards the future, he says their success breeds success.
“The source of your greatest recruiting efforts is through the development of your current players, and these players become our number one recruiting tool,” said Hassellberg. “If they are not having success, other players are not going to want to come here. We are extremely grateful these young men are as dedicated as they are and having the success they are having. It is just going to make our program stronger as every year advances.”
