Dragons give thanks for great season

The Dragons fell out of play-off contention as the Camrose Kodiaks took the series 3-1 after winning at the Memorial Arena Monday evening, 6-2.

    “I thought in most of the games, it felt like we actually had the majority of the scoring chances. They were games that could’ve gone any way for either team,” says head coach Dan Price, reflecting on the best of five series.
    “It was very close, very competitive, very aggressive for both teams.”
    Drumheller started the first round on a high, winning 2-0 against the Kodiaks on the road last Thursday, followed by a 6-1 loss the following night. At home in the Dragons Den, Camrose tallied a 3-1 win on Sunday, forcing Drumheller into a do-or-die situation at the Memorial Arena Monday.
    The Kodiaks took the lead halfway through the first period Monday on a powerplay chance, and managed to stack up three more points before Dragon Dayton Martens found the back of the net halfway through the third period. After Drumheller pulled netminder Cole Cheveldave, Camrose scored a shorthanded empty netter at the 13:08 mark, followed by a powerplay tally two minutes later. Drumheller’s Sam Lawson managed to make it 6-2 with a goal late in the third period
    Price says highlights include making play-offs as every single member hadn’t made the AJHL play-offs before, and the “Christmas miracle” in late December which saw Drumheller come back from a four point deficit to tie it before winning in overtime.
    “It’s moments like that with this team, because they’re such competitive people who care about each other and play so hard, which it makes you proud,” says Price.
    The Dragons failed to qualify for play-offs last season.
    “That building process and going to the play-offs, and now that our returning core has that play-off experience it’ll set us up to go deep in the play-offs and have more success, next year.”
    The Dragons will be losing graduating members Cass Mappin, Rob Geddes, Garrett Beckwith, Jason Kenney.
    “I want to thank the fans, it was such a great year for the team and we’re appreciative of their support. Especially during play-offs, it really shows how important hockey is to the town, and the players and everyone in the organization really appreciates that.”
    “We are looking forward to getting back to it next year, and hopefully hang a banner here in the arena soon.”