The regular season for the Drumheller Dragons is not over yet, but the prospect of the team heading to the AJHL playoffs is closer to being a reality.
As of press time the Dragons were at 39 points and in the final playoff spot of the southern division. The Canmore Eagles were on the heels of the Dragons with 35 points. The Calgary Canucks are within reach at 41 points.
The Dragons 5-2 win over the Olds Grizzlys on Friday, February 10, keeps the Dragons two wins ahead of the Eagles.
The game was a hard hitting affair and both teams were being heavily scrutinized by the referees. The Dragons gave the Grizzlys ten powerplay opportunities. The strong penalty killing squads of the Dragons kept the Grizzlys at bay.
The Grizzlys were also hit hard by the referees whistle, giving the Dragons nine powerplay chances. The Dragons were able to take advantage and score on four of their powerplays.
Head coach Barry Wolff explained the Dragons powerplay has come a long way.
“It’s been hot and cold for us, but down the stretch here we hope it’ll be hot and seal the playoff spot for us,” said Wolff.
The Grizzlys got the first goal of the game, but their lead did not survive the first period. At 15:01 into the first, Josh McKissock tied the game up and soon after, Doug Jones gave the Dragons a one goal lead.
The Grizzlys tied the game early in the second period while the Dragons were shorthanded. Two goals from Ryan Bloom and another by Josh McKissock put the Dragons ahead by three and ensured their victory.
The next night the Dragons hosted the Okotoks Oilers. The Dragons weren’t able to keep their momentum from the night before and lost 7-4.
The Dragons got the first goal at 1:57 into the first period off a pass by Brodie Jamieson from behind the net out front to Coda Engbar. The Dragons held off the Oilers until 18:51, when the Oilers were able to score while they were shorthanded.
The Oilers got ahead by two early into the second. Two goals from Ryan Bloom and Josh McKissock tied the game, but the Oilers ended the second ahead by one goal after the Oilers were awarded and scored on a penalty shot.
In the third period, the Oilers scored three more and put the game out of reach for the Dragons.
“Friday night we played well in all aspects of the game for all sixty minutes, but Saturday we just didn’t come out with the same flair and tenacity that we needed. After Friday night, we almost got too high on the emotion and that hurt us on Saturday. We need to go into the games a bit more even-keeled and play with the attitude that we expect to win,” said Wolff.
The Dragons were at home yesterday evening for a crucial game against the Canmore Eagles. The results were not available at press time, but a win by the Dragons would secure them a spot in the playoffs.
The Dragons will have a chance to avenge their loss against the Oilers in their last game of the season tomorrow night in the Drumheller Memorial Arena at 7:30 p.m.
