Bittersweet weekend for Braves

Posted on: J A McRae

Mario Prusina 
Times Editor
 
The Wheatland Braves concluded their 2011-2012 season by taking part in the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship March 15-18 in Lethbridge.
The local double-A peewee team had a couple of tough outings to start the tourney before improving their play later in the weekend.
“It was somewhat bittersweet,” said Braves head coach Keith Klemmensen. “We played well for one game and probably not so well in the other three. We got what we deserved when we did play well and when we didn’t play well, we got what we deserved there as well.”
The Braves opened the weekend with a 10-1 loss against league rival Okotoks, before losing their second game 9-1 to Lloydminster.
However, the team regrouped and defeated Beaumont 5-3, before losing a tight 2-1 decision to Springbank.
According to Klemmensen, despite not playing a meaningful game since being eliminated from the SCAHL playoffs, they boys were physically ready for the tournament.
“I don’t think the long layoff hurt anything,” said the coach. “I think – and some guys will disagree, but I really think what hurt us more than anything was the fact our first two losses against Okotoks and Lloydminster were against, fast, hard-playing, rough teams. These guys were two really good hockey teams and they were more mature than we were.
“We didn’t get the compete from the boys we needed to give those type of teams a better run.”
However, despite only winning one game, the tournament was a great learning experience for the boys, especially the returning players for next season’s squad.
“I would sure think so,” said Klemmensen. “Realistically, when I look at our (10) returning players (for next season), I wouldn’t be surprised if eight or even all 10 are back next year. There is a good nucleus there for darn sure.
“The (returning players) definitely have a leg up on other guys. They have to make sure when they come next year that they understand there is more to hockey than just showing up.
“This weekend was a great learning experience.”