Drumheller, AB: Round 1 of the AJHL playoffs did not disappoint for Dragons fans! After a three week break between the regular season and playoffs, the Dragons came out flying in the first round despite finishing off the regular season on a five game losing streak. After a four game sweep of the higher ranked Bonnyville Pontiacs, the Dragons have punched their ticket to the AJHL Semi-Finals!
Games 1 and 2 on the road in Bonnyville saw a back and forth type of play, with momentum and control of the games in a constant battle between the two teams. The Dragons emerged victorious in Game 1 by a score of 4-2 before winning a thrilling Game 2 in overtime by a score of 4-3. This game saw Dragons rookie forward, Jamie Hikida, score the tying goal in regulation with just 58 seconds before we ultimately ended the game in overtime off a great breakaway goal. This shifted the series back to Drumheller, with the Dragons in complete control.
Games 3 and 4 were electric to say the least. The Dragons saw a crowd of over 1,000 in Game 3, with the return of the famous “Rink Rats”, who parked themselves behind the Pontiacs bench and brought energy to the Memorial Arena all game long. In Game 3, the Dragons earned another close game victory by a score of 4-3. Headed into Game 4 with a strangle-hold on the series, the Dragons looked to be down and out in the final minute of the game until Ayden Peters scored the game tying goal with only 15 seconds remaining that sent the Pontiacs into shock. This forced overtime where a familiar hero from last year’s playoffs, Coy Pighin, ended the game just a few minutes into overtime off a great goal and a great set-up from Holden Cardinal. This goal ended the Pontiacs season and sent the Dragons to the league semi-final for the first time since the 2019-2020 season.
The AJHL semi-finals will see the Dragons face-off against the rival Calgary Canucks. During the regular season, the Dragons beat the Canucks three times out of four, including a 6-0 victory earlier in the season. Tickets for this series will be available shortly at tickets.drumhellerdragons.ca! Get yours now as we expect sell-out crowds for Round 2!