The Drumheller Dragons wrapped up the 2017-18 regular season against one of its biggest foes, the Brooks Bandits.
Both teams did not have anything to play for but that wouldn't matter in the game tonight. It is a rivalry that is and always will be intense.
Even before the game, the teams met warming up off the ice and there were some heated conversations. When the puck dropped in the first period, that intensity continued on the ice. Brooks had some good pressure in the first couple of minutes in the period but Dane Dow, who got the start for the Dragons, held them off the score sheet. Drumheller opened the scoring of the game at 5:49 when Slater Dykema potted his fifth of the season from Andrew Kartusch and Jordan Taupert. The rivalry showed its face when Nick Hamre, for the Bandits, and Kaden Hanas, for the Dragons, decided to drop the gloves. It was quite a tilt as both players got in some great shots. It was classed as a staged fight and there will likely be suspensions for both players. Drumheller led after the first period, 1-0.
Brooks came out strong in the second. P.A. Martineau scored 1:30 into the period to tie the hockey game at one. Then, three minutes later, Martineau scored his second of the game to give the Bandits their first lead of the hockey game. Tyler Kreklewich intercepted a Brooks pass and took the puck right in to score his 15th of the year, to tie the game at 2-2 at 8:24. It was Kreklewich's 15th goal on the year. Kreklewich continues to roll, he now has recorded points in 13 straight games to finish out the Regular Season. With 6:29 left in the second, Jordan Taupert got a great feed from Reese Jackson and Bradley Stonnell, to score his 30th goal on the year. A great milestone for a fantastic hockey player.
The third would be back and forth. Both goaltenders had to make some difficult saves but did so to keep the game at 3-2 Dragons. Brooks pulled goaltender Connor Dochuk with 52 seconds left in the game but could not solve Dragons goaltender Dane Dow. Final score 3-2 Dragons and it was the first win for the Dragons over the Bandits this season. It builds confidence for this Dragons team as they prepare for the first playoff round against the Calgary Canucks.
Shots on Goal
Brooks – 28
Drumheller – 29
Power Play
Brooks 0 for 3
Drumheller 1 for 3
Viterra AJHL Game Stars
Brooks – Pierre-Anthony Martineau
Drumheller – Jordan Taupert
The Dragons prepare for their next game which will be game one of the first playoff round against the Calgary Canucks. Drumheller will host Calgary on Thursday at 7:00pm and Friday at 7:30pm. Come down and fill the barn for the boys. If you cannot make the games on Thursday or Friday, we will have them here on the “Home of the Dragons”, 99.5 DrumFM and drumheller online.com. The Western GM Pregame show will be at 6:45pm on Thursday with the Voice of the Dragons, Jason Blanke and Ron Bell.
Jason Blanke
Morning Show Host – 99.5 DRUM FM
Office: 403.823.9936
www.DrumhellerOnline.com
