With one week left in the regular season, the Drumheller Dragons are coming off a 3-1 win this Sunday and hope the momentum carries as they battle for a good play-off sitting.
“Fifth is definitely within reach, and we’re trying to climb as high as we can,” Price said, adding this week is important. “Even for the top three teams who’s seating is determined, it’s important for them as well as they want to go into the play-offs with high energy and good habits. That’s definitely one of the things we’ll be trying to build this week.”
“We’re playing well – getting leads early. One of the things we learned with Olds was to keep the lead and play consistently.”
The Dragons fell to the Grizzlys in Olds Friday, after taking the early lead with a powerplay goal by Cass Mappin. The teams continued to go back and forth with the lead until Olds earned a powerplay goal with two minutes left, and another empty-netter at the end of the third.
“We felt like we should have come out of Olds with two points, but it was a good response to come back Sunday to come out with a win against Drayton,” said Dan Price.
Drumheller took the early lead once again at home against the Thunder at Sunday’s matinee game – scoring three goals before Drayton Valley could respond with a short-handed effort just over the second period’s half-way mark.
“I was impressed with the fact that the guys stuck with the process to get a win against a team which would compete and play hard.”
Forward Cass Mappin earned a star at both of the weekend games – scoring two goals and helping with another two in total.
“He’s been working very hard. His skill has risen from a lot of hard work at the games. He’s been a great leader for us, absolutely.”
But it will take more than the efforts of a few star players to carry the Dragons deep into play-offs.
“It takes all 24, and if all guys are committed to the same goal and process, we’ll get the best effort.”
The Dragons will be hosting their year end banquet this Friday. Tickets can be bought at 823-2022. The team will be handing out team awards, as well as auctioning off players and coaches for five hours.
“Whether you want them to hang out, do chores, or take you to grad, if you’re at the banquet you can participate in the auction,” said Price.
The Dragons travelled to Canmore to face the Eagles on Tuesday. Results were not available by press-time. They will meet the Canucks in Calgary on Thursday night, and are home for their last regular season game against the Calgary Mustangs on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.