Despite a tough week for the Drumheller Dragons, the team is showing signs of continuous improvement, according to head coach Barry Wolff.
The Dragons were on the road to play the Okotoks Oilers on Tuesday, November 8, but fell 5-1. Last Saturday they were in Drayton Valley to take on the Thunder, but lost 6-3.
Despite this, Wolff says the team is heading in the right direction.
“We’re really happy with how the team is coming along… slowly but surely,” said Wolff.
Last Tuesday, the Dragons were first on the scoreboard against the Okotoks Oilers when Coda Engbar scored eight minutes in, assisted by Doug Jones and Trevor Tracy. The Oilers answered back to end the period tied. The Oilers poured it on scoring four more unanswered goals.
“In the second period we had our chances to score but we didn’t. We were down 3-1 going into the third and we really struggled,” said Wolff.
Against Drayton Valley, the Dragons outshot the Thunder through two periods and with about 12 minutes left in the third period tied Drayton Valley at three, Kenton Levesque, Ryan Bloom and Doug Jones each had goals. Drayton Valley took control with three unanswered goals.
“On Saturday we hit a couple goal posts and had some opportunities to take the lead, we just couldn’t find the back of the net,” said Wolff. They came back in the last 10 minutes with the three goals.
One bright spot Wolff is seeing is that the team is going to the net more in the two games the Dragons have amassed 72 shots on goal.
“We need to score goals, and that is the only way to do it. Put the puck through and make sure you drive to it,” said Wolff.
He said the team is getting healthy and working hard to reach its goals.
“We want to become a solid group and make sure we are playing for each other every shift,” said Wolff. “After losing so many in a row… it’s easy to lose, and you have to learn how to win.”
Tonight the Dragons begin a five game home stand taking on The Lloydminster Bobcats. On Friday, they host the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, and Saturday take on the Canmore Eagles.
