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Dragons, Kodiaks split series

Dragons VS Kodiaks

The Drumheller Dragons and the Camrose Kodiaks have completed their six-game series and ended as close as it began on October 9.
The Dragons and the Kodiaks have a matched record, winning two games apiece heading into the game last Friday night, October 23 in Camrose.
The Kodiaks scored first, but Carter Belitski answered back with two and half minutes left in the first period to tie the game. Cyle Clayton scored the lone goal in the second period to put the Dragons up, despite outshooting the Kodiaks 19-10 in the second.
The Kodiaks tied the game eight minutes into the third on the powerplay, but Grayson Dietrich regained the lead five minutes later, also on the powerplay. Logan Radmanovich scored his first as a Dragon to put them up 4-2.
Dietrich added an empty netter with a minute left to seal the win.
The Dragons were back on home ice on Saturday night, October 24, for the final game of the series. The Dragons came out breathing fire and outshot the Kodiaks 16-2 in the first period. Kasey Hiemstra scored at the 12:55 mark on the powerplay to put the Dragons up. The Kodiaks answered back in the second period, and after a scoreless third period, the game went into overtime. It only took 1:40 for Camrose to score.
This wraps up the series, with each team winning three apiece.


Titans international program shines on field

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Drumheller Community Football has grown in its scope and successes in its short history, from simply fielding a team to a place where student-athletes are given a chance to learn and develop.
    The program has seen success on the field, but just as importantly has seen players go on to successful careers, in various fields, taking their lessons from the field to their professional lives. Many have also continued playing football at the Collegiate and University level as well as junior football.
    Some of this goes beyond the borders of the province, or even the country.
    A growing component of the program is the participation of the international students who come to the valley to study at DVSS. For many, this is their first experience with American style football, but they are excelling on the field.
    This year the Titans have two players from Korea on the squad and they are playing well. Myung Ju Jung is a lineman and is in his third year.  Sam Jung is a linebacker and kicker, this is his first year playing for the Titans.
    Sam played basketball last year as well. At home in Korea, he says soccer is the most popular sport, but he also played basketball in Korea.
    Myung Ju says he is enjoying playing football and that he has fun. As a lineman, he likes the hitting.
    “It gets the stress out,” he laughs.
    He says there is not much interest in football in Korea, but it is growing, but he has a chance to practice with some players there.
    He says there are about 8-10 universities in Korea that now have teams. Many of the players are coming back after their military service to play.
    Coach Ken Fournier says international players have made a big difference in their program. Over the years they have had players from Mexico, The Czech Republic, Belgium, Turkey, Brazil, the UAE, China, Nigeria, and Japan.
    “They bring lots of energy and excitement and they have the opportunity to go home and play further,” said Fournier.
    He says the sport is growing internationally and for these players to get this experience in Canada, and then go home, it gives them a great advantage. He adds that not only do they contribute to football but to other programs including soccer and basketball.
    Sam is in Grade 11, so he will have another season of basketball and football. Myung Ju is in Grade 12 so this will be his final season. He is planning to continue his studies at the University in Calgary so he is unsure if he will continue to play. He does want to one day coach.
    “If I get a chance, I will try,” he said.

Sabres win bronze at home tourney

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The St. Anthony’s Sabres senior girls volleyball team claimed bronze at their home tournament.
     The Sabres hosted a four-team tournament last Friday, October 18 and played well.
    The Sabres first faced Beiseker but fell short in both hard-fought games. They bounced back with a good showing against Hugh Sutherland of Carstairs and won two games straight.
    “That was probably some of the best volleyball we played all season,” said coach Darcy Bertram. “Hugh Sutherland provided some really good competition so it was really nice to see them win.”
    In their third game, they fell to Strathmore. This put them in the bronze medal final, only to face Strathmore once again. This time they were strong from start to finish and won third place.
    They battled back to win, so we ended on a high note,” said Bertram.
    The Sabres are away this week to play Hanna, and then this coming weekend will be participating in a tournament at Wheatland Crossing. After that, the Sabres will be competing in regionals.


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