It has been a tough slog for the Drumheller Dragons working their way back into the running, but this week the team showed signs of life and improvement.
Last Tuesday the Dragons were in Canmore to take on the Eagles. Coach Barry Wolff said they simply ran out of time.
The Dragons found themselves down by three goals after the first period. Spencer Samuel scored shorthanded two minutes into the second. Canmore answered back, but the Dragons returned fire and Ryan Bloom and Samuel each found the net. The period ended 5-2.
The Dragons continued strong in the third period where Bloom scored his second. The Eagles returned with two goals, but Keith Csizmadia and Brennan Baxandall each scored ending the game 7-6. Bloom had four points on the night.
The Dragons’ high scoring ways continued Friday night in Okotoks against the Oilers. Okotoks was first on the scoreboard, and after a second period drought, new Dragon Brodie Jamieson tied the game five minutes into the third period. The Oilers took as 3-1 lead, but Logan Sceviour scored on the powerplay at the 11-minute mark. Bloom tied it with less than two minutes to go.
The game went all the way to a shootout. Bloom and Doug Jones each scored for the Dragons, but it was Giovanni Bombini who scored the winner.
Wolff said these tough games that come down to a shoot-out helps the team build character. It also proves they can play competitively with higher ranking teams.
The Dragons have made a few changes and it appear they are paying dividends. Following last week’s movement of Dylan Schellenberg and Trevor Tracy, this week they saw the departure of Csizmadia to Bonnyville and Graham Zagrodney to the Winkler Flyers (MJHL).
Recent additions include Justin Cintas, Tye Hand, Simon Horlick and Jamieson.
The Dragons hope to build some momentum going into the Christmas break. There are eight more games in 2011, and five are at home. This week, they are in Calgary on Tuesday, and Canmore on Thursday. On Saturday they are home to take on the Drayton Valley Thunder.
