Kings finally knock off Bisons

Times Editor

 

Despite winning only one of their three weekend contests, the Wheatland Kings can classify the trio of games a success.

The local junior-B team may have lost the first two games of the weekend, but the highlight was knocking off the first-place Okotoks Bisons for the first time on the road in franchise history.

Even though they only have two points to show for the weekend, the Kings can use this weekend as a learning experience – more so than if they won the first two games and lost to the Bisons.

“Absolutely it is,” agreed Murphy. “The other momentous occasion is the first time that we’ve beaten Okotoks in Okotoks. Overall, I’m happy with the way the weekend went. The guys were playing really good hockey and a lot of positives to take away from it. The Sunday game proved how much character (we have) and how much desire there is to win.”

The Kings opened the weekend with a tough 6-1 road loss to the High River Flyers on Nov. 18. After trailing 1-0 early in the first period, the Kings tied the game when Parker Georgsen scored his sixth goal of the season. Unfortunately High River responded with five straight goals to claim the win.

The following day at the Strathmore Family Centre, the Kings fell 5-2 to the Medicine Hat Cubs.

“Despite the scores in the first two games, we played really well – we just weren’t able to capitalize,” said the coach. “And (also) I think, especially on Friday night, the guys looked at High River’s record and didn’t give them the respect they should have. High River is coming off of a bunch of injuries – we certainly know how that goes too. 

“We didn’t play up to our potential, although we played well – we just couldn’t score. It was much of the same thing on Saturday.”

However, the Kings elevated their game on Sunday in Okotoks. Despite the fact the team started with only 13 skaters due to injury or suspensions, the Kings played outstanding, said Murphy. By the end of the night, they were down to 11 skaters.

“We showed incredible character,” said Murphy. “Out of the 13 guys there, they are the guys that are the heart and soul of the team. We played one of the best hockey games that this team has ever played.”

The Kings will look to build off of that win when they host the Red Deer Vipers on Nov. 26 (8 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre. The team will then travel to Blackfalds the following afternoon (2 p.m.) to take on the Wranglers.