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The Drumheller Dragons are nearing the end of their regular season, but that may not be the end after a string of victories on the road gave the Dragons a spot in the AJHL playoffs.
The Dragons started the second half of their six game away campaign on Wednesday, February 1, facing the Camrose Kodiaks. The Dragons lost 4-3 in overtime, but still earned a point.
Doug Jones, off of Ryan Bloom and Sam Lawson, got the Dragons on the scoreboard first and the two teams exchanged goals throughout the game.
At 15:36 into the third, the Kodiaks got the upper hand and a 3-2 lead, but shortly thereafter Sam Lawson, with assistance from Ryan Bloom and David Stener, tied the game and sent the match into overtime.
The Dragons fought hard, but missed several empty nets. The Kodiaks took advantage of their lucky breaks and scored.
Two nights later, the Dragons were in St. Albert to take on the Steel. The two teams last met on January 21, with the Dragons coming out with a 4-0 victory.
In this last game, the Steel came out with less rust, scoring the first goal of the game a mere 0:12 into the first period.
Doug Jones, with help from Sam Lawson and Ryan Bloom, retaliated at 11:28. Brennan Baxandal, with the assist from Doug Jones, put the Dragons ahead soon after.
The Steel tied it up before the first was out. Ryan Bloom, off of Doug Jones and Sam Lawson, got the Dragons a 3-2 lead in the second period. At 6:05 into the third, the Steel tied the game up again.
Things were looking like they may go into another overtime showdown, but thanks to Coda Engbar, with help from Brodi Jamieson and Simon Horlick, propelled the Dragons a goal ahead and to a 4-3 victory.
The next day, on February 4, the Dragons made the long drive to face the Grande Prairie Storm. Unfortunately the Dragons couldn’t keep the momentum and lost 4-2 to the Storm.
The Storm struck early and were able to get four goals before Logan Sceviour, with help from Justin Cintas and Darian Henry, got the Dragons their first goal at 17:46 into the second period. Unfortunately, by that point the Storm had a considerable lead and the Dragons couldn’t mount a comeback.
With the three points earned, the Dragons currently have 36 points, three ahead of the Canmore Eagles, and three below the Calgary Canucks. More wins by the Dragons could launch the Dragons above the Canucks in the standings.
“We’re excited, but we know that we still have a long road ahead,” said Barry Wolff, head coach of the Dragons.
The secret to the Dragons success has been a strong work ethic that has permeated throughout the team.
“We’re playing together, for each other, and as a team. When we need a goal the guys are stepping up,” said Wolff.
The Dragons will be facing the Olds Grizzlys on Friday, February 10, in the Drumheller Memorial Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
