It was a tough weekend for the Drumheller Dragons, who dropped two on the road.
That is not as many as the players that have been dropping. Last weekend the Dragons had a slew of players not on the ice, where they were downed 4-0 by the Bonnyville Pontiacs and then 8-1 by Fort McMurray.
“The best thing about the weekend is the guys competed very hard,” said Coach Dan Price.
He said the high rate of players in the stands is no excuse for the team’s performance.
“No one on the team, players or coaches, is making excuses. We are expected to win with whatever we have,” said Price. “The point is there were a lot of minutes for a lot of players that are new to the league, and based on realistic expectation for these players, we thought they competed really hard and we thought we were in the position to win both games.”
Price says the team is hopeful that Kenton Levesque, Doug Jones and Brennan Baxandall will be back in the line up this Friday versus Spruce Grove. Davin Stenner should be ready to play Olds in Hanna next week. Jeffrey Noble is day to day and Josh Kluck is questionable. Sam Lawson is on a two game suspension and Kevin McMillan is expected to be out for two weeks.
“That is eight guys, eight pretty important players on the shelf,” said Price.
The injuries may help the team develop some of its younger players, getting them minutes early in the season, and in their career.
“There is a balance we are trying to strike. We want to make sure that no one accepts losing. No matter who is in the line up it is our expectation to win,” said Price. “Having said that, with many of these young guys playing all these minutes, many of them would be in and out of the line up, or playing more reduced, controlled minutes. Instead with all the injuries, some of these guys are playing 20 minutes a game, which is just fantastic for their development. These are minutes we want them to play in the future.”
“It has been a baptism by fire, but it will work out really well in the long run.”
The Dragons hosted Brooks last night (results not available at press time). On Friday they will be in Spruce Grove, and then home Saturday to play the Calgary Mustangs.
Veteran back at back
The Dragons learned this week that Braden Gamble is returning to the Drumheller Dragons after two years in the WHL. The net minder played for the Dragons before heading off to play for Chilliwack and then Victoria. He was released, and on Sunday night, he returned to Drumheller.
“He is a tremendous competitor, he is very athletic and competitive in the net. He is a big body as well, and very skilled,” said Price. “Being 20, with two years of WHL experience it will bring a veteran presence back there, and a lot of leadership in the dressing room. He is a really humble, respectful and mature player.”
