The Drumheller Dragons seem to be stuck in a rut this regular season, losing their last three games and remaining fourth in their division among a close grouping of five teams.
“Every team goes through struggles, gets in ruts, it’s hard to get out of,” explained coach Jason Hegberg.
“It’s tough for a guy to find different ways to get things accomplished,” clearly shown in Monday’s game against the Camrose Kodiaks who shut out the Dragons 4-0.
The team found themselves trailing by 2 entering the second period.
The Dragons were ignited after captain Trent Colberg laid out Kodiak Jeremy Beirnes, heavily leading Camrose on shots on net in the second and third.
Kodiak netminder Kris Moore received the away star, after shutting out the Dragon’s thirsty offence with lightning fast saves.
“It all starts at the beginning of the game,” Hegberg explained, “when things start bad it gives you the feeling ‘here we go again’.”
“We are working everyday to improve... the old cliche of working hard and becoming hungry for the net.”
The Dragons lost their cool heading into the game against Drayton Valley last Wednesday, the lowest ranked team in the northern division, losing 3-1.
Friday’s game against the Canmore Eagles showed improvement on the Dragon’s offensive playing, giving a satisfying loss of 4-3.
“We led in scoring in our division in the beginning of the season,” scoring up to nine times a game, “but now we are averaging about two goals a game,” Hegberg said.
The Dragon’s trend of taking undisciplined penalties seems to be a factor. During Monday’s game, Camrose was given a crucial opportunity in the final minute with two power plays.
Defenseman Wade Epp has been suspended for five games, being assessed a match penalty playing Canmore on Friday.
“We are continuing to improve, and if we keep working on it things will begin to work,” the coach said.
The Dragons are scheduled to play twice this weekend, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and Sunday at 2:30 against the Grande Prairie Storm.
Both teams have won seven of their last ten games, the Dragons winning only two.
