Midget Tier 2 wins banner
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
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It was an intense and nerve-wracking game for both players and families March 28 as the Strathmore Storm Midget Tier 2 competed against High River for the division banner.
With the game deadlocked at two for the majority of the second and third period, the Storm was able to net a goal with less than five minutes to play, to pull ahead and capture the title 3-2.
“I can’t think of a better feeling,” said Doug Pagenkopf, head coach. “The boys played great. They did everything we asked of them this year.”
Pagenkopf said the series between Strathmore and High River was tough. Strathmore took the first game 4 to 2 March 19, even though Pagenkopf said High River outplayed them.
The teams played March 27 in High River, where he said Strathmore outplayed High River, but came up short in a 2-0 loss.
In the final game in Strathmore, Pagenkopf said it could’ve gone either way, but they were lucky to get the goal when they did.
A key player in the win was defenseman Cody Betterton, who assisted on the first goal and then scored the final two goals.
“He’s a great skilled player,” said Pagenkopf. “He was out the first game [of the series] with a concussion, so we didn’t let him play. That’s why he had a little more gas in the tank today.”
Pagenkopf said another key player was goaltender David Barbeau, who finished the playoffs with an average of less than two goals against per game, which always gave them a chance to win.
The Midget team’s season was plagued with injuries, including several concussions, broken bones and a ruptured spleen.
“This never slowed the team down at all, in fact they got stronger as the season went on,” said Pagenkopf.
“I knew all season long, we had a good chance to win the league. This group was a great bunch to coach and I’m glad to see them finish this season as champions.”
amy@strathmoretimes.com