Just two games into the season, and it appears the Dragons and Olds Grizzlys are developing a bit of a rivalry.
The Dragons opened the regular season on the road on Friday night, September 13, against the Olds Grizzlys. The two teams met in the preseason and split games, with the Olds Grizzys eaking out a 2-1 win, and then the Dragons dominating 10-0.
On Friday night, the Grizzlys opened the scoring at the midway point, but Bradley Gallo scored five minutes later on the powerplay. Olds scored 30 seconds later to take the lead, but less than a minute later Devon Winder tied it back up, and Gallo put the Dragons up 3-2 to end the first period.
Olds opened the scoring in the second, but Aiden Connell quickly followed it up, and then Nathan Hawkins scored shorthanded to put the Dragons up 5-3 after two.
Luca Dufour added to the Dragons’ lead on the powerplay, followed by a goal from Josh Diegel. Gallo finished up his hattrick at the 14:30 mark of the third period. Olds scored one more, but Diegel added his second with 1:09 left as the Dragons went on to a 9-4 win.
On Saturday night, 733 Dragons fans filled the Drumheller Memorial Arena for the home opener. The Dragons were leading after the first period with a goal from Ellis Mieyete. The Grizzlys evened it up at the midway point of the second, but Diegel scored his third of the season, putting the Dragons up 2-1. Olds stepped it up in the third period and outshot the Dragons 12-5. It yielded two goals, resulting in a 3-2 win for the Grizzlys.
The Dragons host the Lloydminster Bobcats this Friday, September 20, and then on Saturday, head to Drayton Valley to take on the Thunder.

    The game of pickleball has been growing exponentially across the globe and right here in the valley. At the same time, the skill level is going up and now a casual league has formed to get more time on the court and to hone their skills.
    Gabriel Chicoine, who has a background in tennis has formed a Drumheller Pickleball League, which allows for beginners as well as more competitive players. They play at the DVSS Courts.
    “My goal is to help grow the sport and have more people playing,” he tells the Mail.
     There is league play on Friday and Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. He is keeping the league casual. Players can come once or for all the sessions, he just asks that they preregister.
    There is a beginner category to make it inclusive for those just learning the game. Additionally, those starting out can attend a short clinic at 12:30 p.m. on league days to learn the basic skills. Paul Rosgen has been helping out with the clinic sessions.
    Chicoine tells the Mail they have secured sponsorship from Tim Hortons and are looking for others who may wish to come forward with prizes. He has also secured medals and trophies.
    The League just completed Week two of competition and will continue until August 25.
    To sign up for weekly play contact Chicoine at gabrielchicoine@hotmail.com