Drumheller, AB: The Dragons squared off against the Canmore Eagles in Round 1 of the AJHL Playoffs and the series lived up to all expectations and then some!
After the Dragons started out the series with a huge 11-2 victory in Game 1 on the road, the two teams traded victories before finally setting the stage for Game 7 in Canmore last night. Ellis Mieyette opened the scoring in the 1st period with his 2nd goal of the playoffs before Owen Jones tied the game with a powerplay goal late in the 1st period. Bradley Gallo then scored a huge powerplay goal with only 21 seconds remaining in the 2nd period to put the Dragons back up and give them some much needed momentum heading into the final frame. At the 13:41 mark of the 3rd period, Aiden Connell scored a beautiful goal set up by Trip Jensen (who was playing in his first AJHL Playoff game) and provided some valuable insurance for the Dragons who then held on to the lead late into the 3rd period when an empty net goal by Jase Johnstone sealed the game. Matthew Kondro also came into the game at the start of the 2nd period to replace an injured Sean Cootes and didn’t allow a goal on 18 shots. We would like to congratulate the Canmore Eagles on a great season and a hard fought series. This rivalry has definitely been reignited for the years to come!
Notable players for the Dragons in that first round include Mai Matthew (2G, 6A), Ellis Mieyette (2G, 5A), Tristan Payne (4G, 2A) and Brec Christenson (1G, 5A). Matthew Kondro also posted a 2-0-0 record in three relief appearances with a .977 save percentage and a 0.65 goals against average!
The Dragons now face off against the Calgary Canucks in the AJHL South Division Finals which begins on Friday night at the Ken Bracko Arena in Calgary. The Dragons posted a 2-3-1 record versus the Canucks this season and it is a rematch of the 2024 playoffs as the Dragons were eliminated in Round 2 by these very Canucks. Dragons home games will be on Tuesday, April 8th and Wednesday, April 9th at the Memorial Arena. Single game tickets are on sale now as well as Round 2 packs. Get your tickets now as the Dragons look to advance to the AJHL Finals for the first time since 2014!
