The Drumheller Dragons are coming off a tough week, losing three games since Tuesday, December 6. The losses bring the Dragons’ record to 8-25-0-3 and leave them in last place of the south division.
    The tough week began with a loss to the Calgary Canucks last Tuesday. The Dragons, coming off a vital win four days prior, were routed by the Canucks, losing 10-3.
    The Canucks dominated the first two periods and scored seven goals by the time Josh McKissock was able to get the Dragons on the scoreboard in the third period. The Canucks swiftly answered with three more goals. Two late goals by Spencer Samuel and Mitch Owsley were far too late.
    “We learned that we can’t take any team for granted,” said head coach Barry Wolff. “The boys figured they knew that team and would show up and get two points, it doesn’t work like that in hockey.”
    Braden Gamble had started in goal, but was replaced by backup Christopher Wray after Gamble had missed the Canucks fifth goal.
    The Dragons travelled to Canmore two days later to face the Eagles. This was the fourth showdown between the two teams since November 19. The Eagles had won two of the three prior matches with the Dragons.
    The match last Thursday was close. The shots for both teams were nearly even and the Eagles gave the Dragons eight power play opportunities. Unfortunately, the Dragons lost 3-1.
    Scoring began in the second period, with two quick goals by the Eagles. The Eagles first goal was scored short handed. The Dragons retaliated soon after with a goal by Brennan Baxandall on the power play, but two minutes later the Eagles scored their third and final goal.
    On Saturday, December 10, the Dragons were back at home to defend against the Drayton Valley Thunder. A significant change to the Dragons lineup was that backup goalie Christopher Wray started in net, rather than regular netminder Braden Gamble.
    “We had always planned to put Wray in on Saturday, and he’ll get more games as we go along,” said Wolff. “He played well on Saturday for us.”
    The Dragons started the game strong. Coda Engbar scored off a pass from Dragons newcomer Brodie Jamieson at 3:54 into the first period. The Dragons were able to hold off the Thunder until 8:24 into the second when the Thunder put the puck past Wray. The Thunder pulled ahead with another goal at 11:46 into the third period. The Dragons were unable to come back and went on to lose 2-1.
    “We had our chances to score,” said Wolff. “We’ve got to finish, that’s the difference in a lot of games, we need to capitalize on our chances.”
    The Dragons went up against the Eagles in Canmore on Tuesday, December 13 (results not available at press time). Afterwards, the Dragons will have three days to rest before facing the Camrose Kodiaks and the Bonneyville Pontiacs on Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th.
    “Powerplay is a big thing, we haven’t been successful with them,” said Wolff. “We’ve got four practices this week, so that’s something we’re going to work on.”

    It has been a tough slog for the Drumheller Dragons working their way back into the running, but this week the team showed signs of life and improvement.
    Last Tuesday the Dragons were in Canmore to take on the Eagles. Coach Barry Wolff said they simply ran out of time.
    The Dragons found themselves down by three goals after the first period. Spencer Samuel scored shorthanded two minutes into the second. Canmore answered back, but the Dragons returned fire and Ryan Bloom and Samuel each found the net. The period ended 5-2.
    The Dragons continued strong in the third period where Bloom scored his second. The Eagles returned with two goals, but Keith Csizmadia and Brennan Baxandall each scored ending the game 7-6. Bloom had four points on the night.
    The Dragons’ high scoring ways continued Friday night in Okotoks against the Oilers. Okotoks was first on the scoreboard, and after a second period drought, new Dragon Brodie Jamieson tied the game five minutes into the third period. The Oilers took as 3-1 lead, but Logan Sceviour scored on the powerplay at the 11-minute mark. Bloom tied it with less than two minutes to go.
    The game went all the way to a shootout. Bloom and Doug Jones each scored for the Dragons, but it was Giovanni Bombini who scored the winner.
    Wolff said these tough games that come down to a shoot-out helps the team build character. It also proves they can play competitively with higher ranking teams.
    The Dragons have made a few changes and it appear they are paying dividends. Following last week’s movement of Dylan Schellenberg and Trevor Tracy, this week  they saw the departure of Csizmadia to Bonnyville and Graham Zagrodney to the Winkler Flyers (MJHL).
    Recent additions include Justin Cintas, Tye Hand, Simon Horlick and Jamieson.
    The Dragons hope to build some momentum going into the Christmas break. There are eight more games in 2011,  and five are at home. This week, they are in Calgary on Tuesday, and Canmore on Thursday. On Saturday they are home to take on the Drayton Valley Thunder.