Coming off a strong win in Olds last night, Drumheller welcomed the Fort McMurray Oil Barons to the Memorial Arena tonight.
The Oil Barons were coming off an overtime win in Camrose last night. These two teams met in Ft. McMurray on December 8 and the Dragons fell 4-0 to the Oil Barons. Drumheller was hoping for a different outcome tonight.
When the first period began, you knew it was going to be a physical game. Many body checks were dealt out by both teams. Drumheller had their chances but Ft. McMurray goalie Eric Szudor made some amazing stops. The Dragons were able to get one by him at 15:51 when Brett Edwards scored his 21st from Alex Rotundo and Josh Laferierre. The Oil Barons got one back on a deflection off of a Dragons defender with 1:19 left to go in the first period. Jackson Verstraete got credit for the goal from Curtis Roach and Will Conley.
Ft. McMurray took their first lead of the game in the second period when Will Conley scored on the power play from Curtis Roach and Merritt Oszytko at 6:25. Drumheller tied it at 10:39 when Jordan Taupert scored his 26th of the year, which extends his point streak to nine games, from Tyler Kreklewich and Derrick Budz. Drumheller had a couple of goals called off, one due to the net off its moorings. The second would end with the two teams tied at two.
The third would continue to be a physical battle between these two teams. The Oil Barons would take the lead once again at the midway point of the period when Taner Miller would score from Peter Tomaras. The Dragons had their chances in the third and Eric Szudor made some great saves. Drumheller would pull Hunter Virostek with 1:13 left in the third and had their chances. The Dragons would score but time had expired. If there was another second on the clock the game would have went to overtime. It did not and the Dragons fell to the Oil Barons 3-2. The Dragons played hard for 60 minutes and continue to improve every game.
Viterra AJHL Game Stars
Ft. McMurray – Eric Szudor
Drumheller – Brett Edwards
Shots on Goal
Ft. McMurray – 18
Drumheller – 42
Power Play
Ft. McMurray – 1 for 4
Drumheller – 0 for 8
The Dragons don't have much time to worry about this game as they must prepare for the best team in the AJHL. The Okotoks Oilers come to town on Tuesday night to battle your Drumheller Dragons. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
Jason Blanke
Morning Show Host – 99.5 DRUM FM
Office: 403.823.9936
www.DrumhellerOnline.com