Taking away a win against the Calgary Mustangs and a loss to the Calgary Canucks during the last stretch, the Dragons are vying to climb into fourth in the southern standings to secure a beneficial playoff standing.
“It was a good win,” says Price. “It was a real indicator of the guys controlling the play and playing consistently.”
“It was really important, we’re trying to climb within the standings. Fourth place is within our reach – we’re trying to climb as high as we can.”
Drumheller fell to the Camrose Kodiaks Monday night, 2-1. The team could not be reached for comment before the sports page went to press.
Three teams are within striking distance of the coveted fourth standing spot: as of Monday night, Canmore sits above the Dragons with 40 points, and Drumheller and the Mustangs hold sixth and seventh place, respectively.
“It’s possible that we could finish third, but the teams in the top three are a long way away points wise. That would be great if we could do that, but a realistic goal for us right now is to continue to play with consistency and rack wins together.”
“If we can reel in Olds, we can finish in fourth. That would give us good momentum getting into the playoffs,” says Price.
Playing the Mustangs Friday, the Dragons pulled off a win despite handing the Calgary team nine powerplay opportunities, something Price wishes to change.
“We definitely try to play an aggressive style, and if we take aggressive penalties that’s fine. Any penalty where you’re not moving your feet you want to avoid, but if it’s a penalty where you’re being fast and physical, we’ll kill it off.”
The Dragons’ next home game will be on Friday, January 28 against the Spruce Grove Saints, who leading the league with 84 points and an 18-3-0-1 away record. The Dragons are 7-13-0-5 at home this season.
