The Drumheller Dragons continue to struggle for their first win of the new year. On Friday, January 6, the Dragons lost to the Calgary Canucks 3-1.
The Dragons had come off a tough 5-1 loss to the Okotoks Oilers on Wednesday, January 4, and spent their practice time focusing on work ethic.
Against the Canucks the Dragons came out stronger than their previous game. The two teams battled to a stalemate in the first period and continued to do so until 4:49 into the second period when the Canucks managed to sneak the puck past Christopher Wray. The Canucks put two more goals on the board late in the third.
It wasn’t until 18:27 into the third period when David Stener, off of Doug Jones and Brennan Baxandall, was able to penetrate the wall that was Canucks goaltender Michael Matyas and get the Dragons their only goal of the game.
Head coach Barry Wolff explained that the Dragons loss was due to a lack of offense.
“The effort was there, but we weren’t able to create any offense,” said Wolff.
The game against the Canucks marked the return of Mitch Owsley, the Dragons leading goal scorer, after missing two games due to an injury.
The trade deadline for the AJHL was January 10 and the Dragons were looking to fill some positions.
“We do have three cards open, so we’ll be working hard at that in the next couple days,” said Wolff.
Wolff explained that any new recruits would hopefully bolster the team’s offense, but the Dragons are also in the market for some help on the defensive end as well. As of press time, no trades had been confirmed.
The Dragons have fallen further behind the Canmore Eagles, Calgary Canucks, and Olds Grizzlies. To get a playoff spot, the Dragons must surpass the Grizzlies, who are currently ahead by 8 points.
Some of those points will have to be won off one of the toughest teams in the league. Tonight, the Dragons are on the road in Brooks, to face the Bandits, who are currently in first place of the southern division. The Dragons will also be hosting the Bandits on Friday, January 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Drumheller Memorial Arena.
The Dragons and Bandits last met on October 28. The Dragons were overpowered by the Bandits, losing 9-1. The two games this week give the Dragons a chance to get some payback.
“It’s going to be a real good test for us,” said Wolff. “We can’t afford to be giving up those losses anymore.”
