The Drumheller Dragons got a vital win at home on Friday, November 25, against the Canmore Eagles. The win breaks a seven game losing streak.
The Dragons came out strong, gaining momentum early with a goal from Josh McKissock, with assistance from Graham Zagrodney and Brennan Baxandall, only 2:50 into the first period.
The Eagles turned the tables at 10:54 into the first period and continued to pressure the Dragons, scoring two more goals, until late in the second period.
Logan Sceviour of the Dragons, off a pass from Mitch Owsley, gave the Dragons some fire with a goal at 18:56 in the second period. From there the Dragons dominated the third period, racking up five more goals. Doug Jones had a remarkable night, scoring two goals, including the game winner.
Braden Gamble was a big factor in the win, stopping 39 shots and being named the Dragons player of the game. “Gamble has been a stellar part of our game, no question,” said head coach Barry Wolff.
The Dragons skated off the ice with a 7-4 win. The next day, Saturday the 26th, the Dragons made the trip to Okotoks to play the Oilers.
The Dragons once again made an early appearance on the scoreboard with a goal by Doug Jones, with an assist from Brennan Baxandall, only 0:32 into the game. The goal is the ninth Jones has scored this season, and third in two games.
The Oilers tied things up at 10:56 with a power play goal. The Dragons took the lead at 14:55 with their own power play goal from Josh McKissock, with assistance from Brennan Baxandall and Keith Csizmadia. The Oilers tied things up again before the first period was done.
The second period was scoreless, despite the many power play opportunities for both teams.
Scoring resumed in the third period. The Oilers took the lead at 4:21, but Logan Sceviour answered shortly after and scored the tieing goal with help from Josh McKissock and Mitch Owsley.
The game remained tied until the end of regulation time and the overtime period. The contest was decided in a shootout.
Mitch Owsley and Ryan Bloom shot on behalf of the Dragons, but were unsuccessful at getting the puck past the Oilers net minder. The Oilers scored two goals, winning the game.
“In overtime we hit posts,” said Wolff. “We had our chances to win it.”
The two games bring the Dragons record to 7-21-0-3. The Dragons move ahead of the Eagles to claim 14th place overall.
The weekend games are not the only news from the Dragons. There have been several changes in the locker room over the past week.
The Dragons welcomed forward Justin Cintas to the lineup. Cintas is a native of San Diego, California, and comes to the Dragons from the BCHL Langley Rivermen.
The Dragons have also seen two departures recently. Dylan Schellenberg, a native to Drumheller was traded to the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL. Trevor Tracy, the Dragons points leader, has gone to the Spruce Grove Saints. Both players were traded for future considerations.
The Dragons have started a four game stretch on the road. On Friday, December 2, the Dragons are in Okotoks again. The next home game is on December 10 against the Drayton Valley Thunder.
The Salvation Army will also be running a food drive during the December 10 game to help stock up the food bank before Christmas.
