The Drumheller shake up seems to be a step in the right direction for the team although last night’s game at home against Whitecourt may have fans wondering but change takes work and work takes time. To quote Heywood,” Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
It does look like the addition of the new payers to the lineup has brought a terrific attitude to this team. Salverda and Kingston both played very strong games however the loss of three key players in Friday’s line up due to injuries is starting to take its toll on the team. Curran brought in three young affiliates (Avery Belcourt, Joren Patenaude, and Mason Fischer) and they held their own playing very well with the team.
The Dragons came on strong in the first period playing with high energy in all zones. Drumheller's penalty kill was on point and killed off three power plays against the high scoring Wolverines and at the end of the first on a goal by Ryan Chynoweth the Dragons would lead 1-0. Drumheller would have a great opportunity to make it 2-0 but Whitecourt’s goalie would be on his game making a great save and 1-0 for the Dragons is how the period would end.
In the second period the Dragons appeared to sit back a little and it would cost them as a clearing attempt would fail and Whitecourt would catch a break. A bad bounce off a skate during a pass in front of the net and the Wolverines would get on the score board. Several minutes later another unlucky bounce would see Whitecourt come down the ice and take a shot that would hit a Dragons stick making it 2-1 in their favour. The Wolverines would score two more in the second bringing the score to 4-1 and the end of the period.
Coach Curran,” The first two goals Whitecourt scored were a little lucky and on their first goal we had total control but didn’t make the play we needed. As far as the rest of the period we made some key mistakes at their line which caused odd man rushes and any team is going to make you pay.”
Third period action saw the Dragons come out strong and on a penalty shot Levi Wunder would make it 4-2. Drumheller would continue to press and newcomer Rhett Kingston on a great individual play from behind the net would come out front on his own but couldn’t get it passed their goaltender. Whitecourt would score a 5th goal minutes later on a turnover which would seal the game for the Wolverines and the game would end 5-2.
Curran,” At times we played very well and I thought out new players played well and our three affiliates had solid games. We did a very good job on our penalty kill but our power play needs to get simpler. We will be working on it. The decisions we are making at the blue lines must be better as this is where it is costing us.”
Drumheller Dragons next game will be at home on Sunday, December 6th at 2:00pm vs the Okotoks Oilers.