The Drumheller Dragons start off the weekend with a Friday night game against the Lloydminster Bobcats.
This is the second time these teams have met this season. The previous game was in Camrose at the AJHL Showcase and the Dragons lost that one 3 – 1. The team did not want the same outcome in front of their home crowd during parent weekend.
The game started off as a physical game with hits being dolled out by both teams. Early in the first, Markus Boguslavsky had a big hit in the Lloydminster corner. It was deemed a major for boarding and Boguslavsky received a game misconduct for the hit. Dragons got a goal just 42 seconds after the hit. It was 4 on 4 when Tyler Kreklewich scored from Carson Kurylo to make the score 1 – 0 Dragons. Drumheller added to their lead at 13:53 when Brett Edwards scored from Jordan Taupert and Dawson Bruneski. Under two minutes later, Lloydminster got one back when Rylan Nivon scored to make it a 2 – 1 Dragons lead after 1. Drumheller out shot Lloydminster 13 – 9 in the period.
The second period was back and forth. Neither team took control of the game and had difficulties moving the puck in the neutral zone. The Dragons got some momentum in the latter part of the second when Brady Risk scored a tic-tac-toe type of goal from Brett Edwards and Jordan Taupert. Drumheller lead 3 – 1 after two periods but Lloydminster lead in shots 20 – 19.
Drumheller increased their lead in the third on the power play when Brett Edwards scored his second of the game from Tyler Kreklewich and Carson Kurylo. Lloydminster got one back with just over 2 minutes left in the game when Reid Irwin scored to make it 4 – 2 Drumheller. The Dragons added a last minute goal with only 44.6 seconds left on the clock. Kaden Hanas scored from Nate Keeley and Brett Wieschorster. Things got a little out of hand with only 2 seconds left as a fight broke out near the team benches. The referees decided to run out the clock and finish the game. Final score Drumheller 5 Lloydminster 2. The Dragons out shot the Bobcats 29 – 25.
Viterra Game Stars
Lloydminster – Reid Irwin
Drumheller – Brett Edwards
Shots on Goal
Lloydminster – 25
Drumheller – 29
Power Play
Lloydminster 0/5
Drumheller 1/5
Next action for the Dragons is on Saturday when the Bonnyville Pontiacs make their only appearance in the Memorial Arena this season. Game time is at 7:30pm.
Jason Blanke
Morning Show Host – 99.5 DRUM FM
Office: 403.823.9936
http://www.DrumhellerOnline.com