The Dragons need to dig deep and find the fire they were breathing just weeks ago as they approach the homestretch of the season.
There are only four more games on the regular season schedule, and while the Dragons are in no danger to miss the playoffs, they have dropped the last four games. Moving up one spot in the standings may make their playoff hopes a little brighter.
“We’re four back of Camrose and we play them (tonight). It will probably tell the tale whether we have a chance to move up,” said Coach Jason Hegberg.
On Tuesday night, February 10 the Dragons hosted the Calgary Canucks. From start to finish Drumheller outplayed the Calgary team dominating ice time in the Canucks’ end, and out shooting them in every period. Despite this, at the end of regular time the game was tied. The Dragons’ goal came from Cam Lamoureux in the second period, assisted by Trent Colberg and Robert Nocera. Less than two minutes into overtime, Calgary scored.
“As much as our record shows, we are playing alright. We’re making strides, but we’re not getting the wins that we want,” said Hegberg.
The bad luck continued on Valentine’s Day, which found the Dragons in Olds, and behind from the get go.
A goal from Cody Rainaldi, with assists from Patrick Bartoshyk and Tyler Matthews was the only bright spot as the Grizzlys went on to an 8-1 victory.
On Monday night, the Dragons were in Brooks to take on the Bandits. By the end of the first period, the Dragons were down by one goal. In the second, the Bandits stole three more. The final score was 4-0.
“The problem is scoring. We have enough guys that are proven scorers, we’re not getting the job done,” said Hegberg. “We’re getting lots of chances, we just not scoring. That’s something we have to change going into the playoffs.”
He says he would like to see the team put the puck on the net more.
“Instead of making the quality plays, quantity is better than quality, and getting the puck into those areas where you and score and crashing the net and put it in,” said Hegberg. “We’re still getting 35 plus shots a game most games. The chances are there.”
“At the end of the day we just want to make sure were ready to go in the playoffs, in all aspects of the game,” said Hegberg. “We are seeded, and it is a difference between fifth or sixth. If it was first or second, It would be different, but we’re not too concerned.”
The bad luck continued on Valentine’s Day, which found the Dragons in Olds, and behind from the get go.
A goal from Cody Rainaldi, with assists from Patrick Bartoshyk and Tyler Matthews was the only bright spot as the Grizzlys went on to an 8-1 victory.
On Monday night, the Dragons were in Brooks to take on the Bandits. By the end of the first period, the Dragons were down by one goal. In the second, the Bandits stole three more. The final score was 4-0.
“The problem is scoring. We have enough guys that are proven scorers, we’re not getting the job done,” said Hegberg. “We’re getting lots of chances, we just not scoring. That’s something we have to change going into the playoffs.”
He says he would like to see the team put the puck on the net more.
“Instead of making the quality plays, quantity is better than quality, and getting the puck into those areas where you and score and crashing the net and put it in,” said Hegberg. “We’re still getting 35 plus shots a game most games. The chances are there.”
“At the end of the day we just want to make sure were ready to go in the playoffs, in all aspects of the game,” said Hegberg. “We are seeded, and it is a difference between fifth or sixth. If it was first or second, It would be different, but we’re not too concerned.”
