It’s been a rough week for the Drumheller Dragons. The Dragons have lost all three games since last Wednesday and have increased their losing streak to five.
    On Wednesday, January 11, the Dragons went up against the Brooks Bandits, who are first in the southern division. The Dragons limped away, losing 8-1.
    The Bandits opened up scoring early and did not relent for the rest of the game. A goal mid way through the third period by Spencer Samuel, with an assist by Josh McKissock, was all the Dragons could muster.
    Offense has been an issue the Dragons have been struggling with since the AJHL resumed after the holidays. That issue was magnified in Wednesday’s game against the Bandits. The Dragons only managed 15 shots on goal compared to the 50 by the Bandits, a challenging workload for any goalie.
    Penalties also proved to be the bane of the Dragons game as well. The Dragons, whose penalty killing squads consistently perform well, were unable to stop the onslaught, giving up five goals out of nine penalties.
    The Dragons returned home, but on their heels were the Bandits. The two teams faced off for another match at the Drumheller Memorial Arena on Friday, January 13. The Dragons were fired up for the game.
    Friday’s game was also the first game that new Dragons Bryton Mills, a forward from the Lloydminster Bobcats, and Darian Henry.
    The Bandits scored first five minutes into the first period. Soon after, Coda Engbar, unassisted, on the powerplay tied the game up. Before the period was done the Bandits retaliated and the teams went to the locker rooms for the first intermission with the Bandits ahead 2-1.
    Brodie Jamieson, off of Justin Cintas, tied the game again two minutes into the second period. For the next nine minutes the teams fought to get the lead. Unfortunately, the Bandits took advantage of a string of Dragons penalties and scored three powerplay goals.
    Five minutes into the third period, Ryan Bloom, with assistance from Sam Lawson and Logan Sceviour, scored another goal for the Dragons. The Bandits put two more goals on the scoreboard in the third. The Dragons lost 7-3.
    The next evening the Dragons were in Olds to face the Grizzlys. This would be the first game that the Dragons would be up against their former teammate Mitch Owsley.
    The Grizzlys scored early into the game and continued to pressure the Dragons throughout the game. The Dragons were defeated 5-1.
    Justin Cintas, from Ryan Bloom and Kevin McMillan, on the powerplay scored the only goal for the Dragons at 6:27 into the second period.
    The loss to the Grizzlys means the Dragons remain at 25 points, 4 points behind the Canmore Eagles and a spot in the playoffs. The Dragons have 14 games left this season to climb higher in the standings.
    The Dragons returned to home ice on Tuesday, January 17, against the Calgary Canucks. The results of the game were not available at press time.

    Tuesday, January 10, was the trade deadline for the CHA, which includes the AJHL. The Drumheller Dragons made two deals at the deadline. One brings in imposing defenseman Darian Henry and the other sends Dragons top scorer Mitch Owsley to the rival Olds Grizzlys.    Henry is originally from Strathmore, Alberta, but is coming to Drumheller after playing for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League.      At a colossal 6’4, Henry will bring his size and formidable presence to help bolster the Dragons defense.     “He’s a big kid, 6’4", so he adds size. He’s a steady, stay at home guy, moves the puck solidly, and wins his one on one battles. He gives another component to make us more stable in the back end,” said head coach Barry Wolff.     Henry was drafted by the Silvertips in the seventh round of the 2009 WHL Bantam draft. From there, Henry played for the Keystone Raiders of the Alberta AAA Minor Midget League and won the club’s Best Defenseman Award.     In the 2010-2011 season Henry played for the UFA Bisons AAA Midget team. Henry was brought on to the Silvertips for the 2011-2012 season.     The other deal sent Owsley to the Grizzlys. Owsley, a forward, has played 40 games with the Dragons and is their top scorer, with 12 goals and 10 assists.     In exchange, the Dragons received future considerations.     “We felt that he’s a top six forward and wouldn’t be happy in the role we had for him. He’s a good player, he needs to be in the top six, and Olds had that opportunity. Down the road he’s going to be a really good player and this was the best thing for him.”     Owsley will play his first game for the Grizzlys on Friday, January 13, and will play against his former teamm