The Drumheller Dragons almost let one slip away on Tuesday but pulled off a big win against the Canmore Eagles.
Before the game, there was a moment of silence held for two long standing Dragons volunteers, Heather Franciotti and Bernie Fournier. Heather has been a dedicated volunteer for the Dragons since the team's inception in 2003-04. She was the ticket taker at the main gate. She always greeted everyone coming to the rink with a smile and usually a hug. Bernie Fournier volunteered for the Dragons for 12 years. He was the time keeper in the penalty box and did not miss many games in a season. He loved hockey and enjoyed talking with the players when they were sent to the penalty box. Both Heather and Bernie will be missed by the organization and the fans. Their family members dropped the puck before the game.
The Dragons opened up the scoring in the first period. Jordan Taupert scored his 13th of the year from Tyler Kreklewich and Troy Dudley on the power play. It was back and forth in the period but not much flow for the game for either team. Canmore outshot Drumheller 9 – 8 in the period but the Dragons held on to the 1 – 0 lead.
The Eagles got on the board early in the second when Trevor Van Steinburg scored from Jake Ashton and Alex Young. They quickly took the lead just 1:18 later when Travis Verveda scored from a shot at the left point to make it 2 – 1 Canmore. Just under 5 minutes later, Colton Young scored for the Eagles to give them a 3 – 1 lead. The Dragons looked shell shocked and had difficulites connecting on passes and essentially getting any momentum in the period. Drumheller outshot Canmore in the period 8 – 4 but trailed.
Something must have been said in the dressing room because the Dragons came out flying in the third. Joren Patenaude scored his 7th of the year from Slater Dykema and Tyler Kreklewich just 1:21 into the third to make it 3 – 2 Canmore. Just under 2 minutes later, the captain Andrew Kartusch scored his third of the year from Brayden Nicholetts and Troy Dudley to tie the game 3 – 3. Drumheller regained the lead 2 minutes later when Joren Patenaude scored his second of the game from Brett Edwards and Dudley to make it 4 – 3 Dragons. Drumheller continued to dominate the period and scored twice more by Tyler Kreklewich and Brett Edwards to make the final 6 – 3. Drumheller outshot Canmore 19 – 9 in the period.
Tyler Kreklewich had a four point night with a goal and three assists, Joren Patenaude also had a four points with two goals and two assists for the night as well. A big character come back win for the Dragons.
Players of the game
Canmore – Travis Verveda
Drumheller – Joren Patenaude
Shots on Goal
Canmore – 22
Drumheller – 35
Power Play
Canmore 0/6
Drumheller 2/9
Next action for your Dragons is on Friday as they host the Calgary Mustangs. This will be the first time the Dragons have seen the Mustangs this season. Game starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Arena.
Jason Blanke
Morning Show Host – 99.5 DRUM FM
Office: 403.823.9936
www.DrumhellerOnline.com