The Dragons spent the weekend picking up some much needed points, two wins and an overtime loss, over a productive three day run.
“The biggest thing to take away is how the guys continued the mind-set of playing consistently to have consistent success. Teams who do that typically have success long term.”
Starting the weekend on Friday in Olds, the Dragons saw goalie Cole Cheveldave take a total of 47 shots– a story heard all season and one that earned him the AJHL player of the week from December 6-12.
The 17 year old goaltender from Calgary is 7th overall amongst AJHL goalies, with a .914 save percentage. He was named the Player of the Game in all three games for the Dragons last week, facing a 125 shots over the course of those three games.
“He gives us a chance to win every single night,” says Price. “He never gets complacent, he brings his very best effort at every practice and every game.”
Price adds the success of the team’s last three games aren’t just due to Cheveldave’s strong goaltending, “there’s another element in the defensive team playing around him.”
After their 3-2 win in Olds, the Dragons were host to back to back home games Saturday and Sunday, where the Dragons took a 3-2 overtime loss to the Brooks Bandits– a team they’ve faced twice since the beginning of December, and will face again this Friday.
“The teams match up quite well against each other,” said Price. The Dragons had the lead entering into the third, but Price said they forgot their focus and allowed them to tie it up and score in overtime.
“The beauty of that was the next day against Bonnyville we learned how to remain focused, stay the course, and then we were rewarded by that.”
“I like where we’re at after losing those games and learning our lesson against Brooks, and I’m looking forward to executing those things on Friday,”
Drumheller beat Bonnyville 4-2 in the Sunday matinee game, with new aquisition Cass Mappin cementing his contribution to the Dragons. Mappin earned the home star award, with one goal and an assist.
“Cass has been great, being complimented well with two great linemates in Rob Geddes and Ryan Bloom,” said Price. “We’ve really benefited by that.”
The Dragons will be travelling to Brooks to play Friday night, followed by a home game against the Olds Grizzlys on Saturday evening.
