The Drumheller Dragons had two tough southern division games this weekend versus the Okotoks Oilers and the Calgary Canucks.
Friday at home the Dragons hosted the Oilers in a game that would mean a lot to both teams as the Dragons were looking to close in on the Oilers who sit third in the South, and for the Oilers to pull away just a little more from the Dragons, who sit in fourth place.
The first period saw the Dragons come out very strong and in the first 12 minutes would hold the Oilers to just 2 shots, (12-2), but strong goaltending held off the Dragons and it the Oilers took the lead 1-0 after the first.
In the second period, the Oilers came out strong and forced turnovers that would cost the Dragons, and the Oilers put up 2 more goals and lead 3-0. The Dragons responded and got on the board to make 3-1 on a goal by Ryan Jevne and came close to a 2nd goal a minute later on the PP, however, the Oilers goalie Nick Renyard made a great save and after 2 periods the Oilers lead 3-1.
Third period action was again in favor of the Oilers and they would play a strong defensive period and also add 2 more goals on the PP, to take a 5-1 lead and that is how the game would end.
Road Win!!!
After losing at home to the Oilers, the shorthanded Dragons who have run into many injuries this last several weeks ( Markus Messier, Curtis Skip, Ethan James, Connor Duncan, Rory Davidson) , Ryan Suchorab and Keaton Holinaty returned to the line-up.
On this night, the Dragons would face a very tough Canucks team who are in a battle of their own for the last remaining playoff spot.
The Canucks came out strong and caught the Dragons on their heels and, if not for Johnny Hogue, the may have been up by more than 1 putting 17 shots on goal in the period.
The second period saw the Dragons play a much better period in an entertaining end -to- end period where the Dragons outscored the Canucks 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead into the third.
The third period saw the Canucks tie the game early at 3. The Canucks have been playing well as of late and have shown that they can come from behind.
2 minutes later, however, the Dragons would go ahead to make it 4-3 and that is how the game would end. Dakota Zaharichuk had 2 goals on the night including the game winner.
In a much needed win for the Dragons, the boys played with desperation and pride and were able to hold off the Canucks.
Next game will be on the road to play the Calgary Mustangs February 10 at 7:30.