The one that got away

Times Editor

 

The Wheatland Kings were well on their way to collecting four points this past weekend and extending their winning streak to five games.

However, a disastrous stretch of hockey cost the local junior-B team.

After defeating the Banff Bears 13-2 on Nov. 4 at the Strathmore Family Centre, the Kings lost a 4-3 heartbreaker in overtime the following day versus the Stettler Lightning.

Despite taking a 3-0 lead 5:55 into the third period, the Kings allowed three unanswered goals in a span of 2:55 midway through the final frame, en route to the disappointing loss.

“It was a really tough one to give up,” said Kings head coach Doug Murphy. “We battled hard, we had a 3-0 lead … and we let them back in it.

“(We took) very bad penalties, very selfish penalties that cost us the game. You can’t give up three goals in a period and you can’t not compete.

“It doesn’t matter what the adversity is, you have to battle through it and you have to answer.”

Making matters worse for the Kings, newly acquired forward and former UFA Bison Andrew Bergmann was hit in the face by a deflected shot. Not only did it badly cut him, but it also broke his lower jaw and he’ll be out of the lineup for over four weeks. According to Murphy, Bergmann – who had surgery to repair the jaw earlier in the week – is the third player decimated by a long-term injury in the last week.

The weekend started off much better for the Kings, as they hosted the Banff Bears. 

After squeaking out a 5-4 overtime win in their previous game versus the Bears, the Kings dominated from start to finish.

Tyler Brandon recorded two goals and four assists, while Austin Larsen and Leslie Doore each registered two goals and two assists in the 13-2 win.

Parker Georgsen had a goal and three assists, while Sam Lonnberg record two goals. Mike Samoil, Bergmann and Racey Big Snake each registered a goal and an assist.

“It was a huge win – (we had) great chemistry,” said Murphy. “Things have really come together over the last week to 10 days.”

Overall, despite giving up the point on Saturday, the Kings have had a successful stretch of hockey.

“(We picked up) three out of four points and all sorts of positive things (from the weekend) if you turn back and focus on the good side of it,” smiled the coach. “Unfortunately, as coaches, sometimes you (remember) more of the bad.”

However, things don’t get any easier for the Kings, as they are back in action on the road Nov. 11 (7:30 p.m.) in Cochrane against the high-powered Generals, who are 11-1-1-0 on the season.

The Kings will then return home to the Strathmore Family Centre to host Ponoka the following day at 8 p.m.