The Drumheller Minor Hockey Raptors hit the ice for the first time this season last weekend. The teams racked up quite a few wins in what, for some, were their first games of the year.
The Canalta Novice Tier 6 team came out strong for their first two games of the season. On Saturday, the team dominated Strathmore by a score of 18-3. The next day, they hosted Brooks and came away with a 13-7 win in front of a home crowd.
The McDonald’s Tier 3 team began their season two weekends ago. This past weekend they managed their first win, beating Fort MacLeod on the road. The day prior they had a close 9-7 defeat against Chestermere.
“We lost to Chestermere, but the kids played really good. On Monday, we went down to Fort MacLeod and gave them a whupping,” said head coach Kit Clark. “The kids are excited and having fun.”
At the Atom level, the Yavis Atom Tier 3 team took to the road on Sunday, coming away with a 10-7 win.
The EnCana Atom Tier 6 team had two games this past weekend and emerged victorious in both. On Saturday they hosted Rockyford and decimated the visitors by a score of 18-2. The next day they paid Nanton the same welcome, winning 7-2.
The NGC Pee Wee Tier 2 team did the same, winning both of their first two games. In Beiseker on Saturday, they bested the home team by a close 4-3. The next day they were in Olds and won again in a close game, 7-6.
The Hi-Way 9 Tier 6 Raptors took Strathmore to task for their first game on Saturday, winning 13-3 at home. The next day they repeated against Okotoks Gold and won 8-4.
Kyle Bosch (right) carries the puck at the Hi-Way 9 Pee Wee Raptors home game against Strathmore on Saturday. The Raptors won by a decisive 13-3. The remaining seven minor hockey teams were in action as well and put together a strong weekend. For many of these teams, this was their opening weekend.
inSide photo by Michael James
“We’ve got quite a crew this year, they’re working really good together. They’re loving it and happy to have their skates back on,” said Mark Coultes, head coach of the Hi-Way 9 Raptors.
The Boston Pizza/Western Chev Bantam Raptors started their season on the road on Friday in Hanna. The Bantam team started the season off on the right foot to get another championship.
In Hanna, they won 14-3. The next day at home, they were victorious against Fort MacLeod by a score of 6-4.
The Bertram Drilling/Sports Room Midget team are hoping to continue their championship ways. They did so against Blackie on Saturday, shutting them down 8-0.
In goal for the Midget Raptors was Chase Kostelecky, who saved all 27 shots fired his way.
The next day, the team was in Redcliff, but couldn’t keep the momentum going and lost 11-4.
“They did excellent for their first weekend. We won on Saturday and, unfortunately, lost Sunday’s game. They’ll come back once we get more practice together and learn to play together,” said assistant coach Nick Schinnour. “We’ve got a strong team as long as we’re in the right tier. If we’re not, we’ll have to step up and make the team stronger. We were down last year and we made it work by the end.”
A key difference this year is how the teams were tiered. Coaches feel this year the teams are more evenly matched within their tiers and are hopeful it will translate into more wins.
“We’ve got them tiered a little better than pervious years, so it’s going really good,” said Clark.
Coultes was agreed, stating, “I think the tiers are better this year. I hope some of the kids who have had below a 50 per cent win average over the past few years will get some wins and start feeling better about hockey.”
The Raptors season continues. For more information about when the teams are playing check out www.drumhellerminorhockey.com.
