The Drumheller Dragons are mid-way through the exhibition season and have chalked up a win, and two losses.
On August 31, the Dragons opened the preseason, versus the Calgary Mustangs, and went away with a 5-2 win.
“In the first game we played, I thought our compete level was great. We had a few minutes throughout the game at different times where we sat back a little bit and we can’t,” said coach Brian Curran. “We are trying to define the identity of our team and that is one thing we are pushing hard right now. For most of that game, I thought we kept a good pace.”
On Thursday, September 1, they fell 5-2 to the Calgary Canucks. Curran felt the first five minutes they pushed the pace well, but a power play took the wind out of the team.
“I didn’t like how we responded to that … we did not push back. It was a good learning experience for us,” said Curran.
On Friday, September 2, they fell 4-0 versus Okotoks.
“That game was a little bit different than what the score was. They got a couple powerplay goals, and we couldn’t capitalize, but again I don’t think we pushed the pace as good as we could have, especially in the first period,” said Curran. “I will say we ended on a high note in the third period where we really pushed the pace, moved our legs very well, fore checked and controlled a lot of the ice. We ended on a good note.”
While grading the preseason can be ambiguous, and not easily counted in wins and losses, coach Curran likes what he is seeing so far.
“Obviously, it is exhibition and everyone is playing whoever,” said Curran.
“We are really trying to define the identity of our hockey club. I really like the players we have, even though they are young, I think they are going to continue to grow and grow and get better, and learn the game we want to play.”
The Dragons are in Lloydminster on Thursday, September 8 where they play the Bobcats, and then are finally home to end the exhibition season on Friday, September 9, versus the Bobcats.
