Kings hanging tough

Times Editor  

 

Despite losing both games this past weekend, the Wheatland Kings are optimistic heading into the Christmas stretch of their schedule.

The local junior-B squad faced two of the league’s best teams, narrowly losing both games by one goal.

The Kings suffered a 4-3 loss to Okotoks on Dec. 7, before falling 5-4 to Red Deer the next day.

“It was a very good weekend, the guys played really well,” said head coach Doug Murphy. “We stepped up to (face) the challenge of a very big weekend. We were down bodies both nights between injuries and illnesses … but we still played within a goal and certainly well enough to win.

“We were just missing that extra fire power that we would normally have.”

According to Murphy, the team was without star forwards Ross Fox, Rylan Muenchrath, Brennan Grasdahl and defenceman Blake Bishop. They also lost the services of Sam Lonnberg early in Friday night’s game.

“(Despite the injuries), we played well enough to win on both nights,” said Murphy. “Ritchie Hubbell gave us the great goaltending you need.”

Between the two opponents, they have lost only three contests in regulation time in 45 games so far this season.

The Kings are now preparing to play host to High River on Dec. 15 (8 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre.

With four points separating the fourth-place Kings and the sixth-place Flyers, this game is huge for both teams.

“It’s a very important two points – Cochrane is coming on strong like we knew they would, so we need to start picking up some ground on the (teams) in front of us,” said the coach. “We want to get on a roll going into the Christmas break.”

Fans are looking forward to the contest too, as the team will be hosting their Teddy Bear Toss game.

When the Kings score their first goal of the game, fans are encouraged to toss their new stuffed animal on the ice. All toys will then be donated to the crisis shelter. 

The team will also be accepting donations for the Strathmore Christmas Hamper Society. Fans can bring a non-perishable food item, a new unwrapped toy or a gift certificate under $25 and gain free admission to the game.