A step in the right direction.
The Dragons hosted the Oilers Sunday afternoon in a game that definitely had its ups and downs. Drumheller who’ve been struggling in the win category are showing signs of improvement but it seems costly mistakes are hurting them. Okotoks has always been a worthy adversary and this game would be no different.
The Dragons played an energetic first period displaying purpose the result a two goal lead with goals scored by Levi Wunder (assists: Schofield ,Muzyka) and Jacob Schofield (assists: Muzyka, Schofield). Goaltender Xavier Burghardt didn’t disappoint to round off a solid first period.
Starting off the second on a power play Drumheller would add to their lead with a goal by Rhett Kingston (assists: Salverda, Chynoweth) however the hardworking Oilers would capitalize on their power play to make it 3-1. Several minutes later a goal from the Oilers looked like it was hit with a high stick but after a conference with the officials the goal would stand to make it 3-2 heading into the locker room.
In the third period the Dragons played a defensively effective period which created some scoring chances that unfortunately they were unable to carry out. The Oilers would have their chances as well on their power plays but Burghardt would keep them in check. In the final minutes of play Okotoks would pull their goalie for the extra attacker and tie the game sending it into OT.
In OT both teams would have their chances but would be unable to deliver and the score would remain tied sending the teams into a shootout. The Oilers last shooter Huber would finish the come back and Okotoks would win 4-3.
Coach Curran, “I thought we deserved a much better fate, we were up by 3 goals and playing some good hockey. We changed after the 3rd goal and it looked to me like we were going for goals and turning over the puck at crucial times. I liked our third period and though we could have sealed it away but just couldn't score. We need to understand that we scored those goals by playing hard together and that when we all stay on the same page we are a good team.”
The Dragons travel to Banff Tuesday, December 8th to play the Canmore Eagles at 7pm.
