Kings step-up, fall in OT

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

Despite losing Game 1 of their best-of-five series versus the Okotoks Bisons, the Wheatland Kings are optimistic they have what it takes to move on the second round of the post season.

According to Kings head coach Doug Murphy, the local junior B team can build off of Monday night’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Bisons.

“It was without question, the best game we’ve played all this year, probably as an organization,” said Murphy. “It was absolutely awesome. We came out and we totally dominated the first 15 minutes.”

The Kings took a 1-0 lead early in the contest, before the Oilers struck for three unanswered goals. However, the Bisons showed tremendous resiliency and tied the game late in the second period with a pair of goals of their own.

After a seesaw battle in the third, which saw the Kings push the play, the Bisons capitalized on one mistake to win the game in overtime.

However, the Kings have a lot of positives to take from Game 1.

“We’re extremely pleased and we’re very much looking forward to the next game,” said Murphy. “We just need to put our scoring chances in the net.”

Game 2 of the series was scheduled to be played Feb. 23 at the Strathmore Family Centre. However, because of the refrigeration system failure at the arena, that game was moved to Feb. 25 (8 p.m.) in Okotoks. The Kings will host Game 3 on Feb. 26 (8 p.m.) and Game 4 (Feb. 27, TBA) at the Strathmore Family Centre. 

Visit www.heritagejuniorb.com for the full schedule.