Chiefs take three of four

Times Editor  

 

The Wheatland Chiefs improved to 16-10-2 on the season after claiming three out of a possible four points this past weekend.

The local double-A midget team earned a 7-2 victory over the Cranbrook Ice on Jan. 26, before collecting a 3-3 draw versus the Red Deer Pro Stitch the following day on the road.

The Chiefs opened the weekend with a dominating performance over the Ice. Brandon Russell scored three times, while Coltyn Herman scored twice to lead the way for the Chiefs. Ryan Thomas and Dalton Dubetz each collected a goal and an assist, while Tyler Sharuga (three), Brayden Biccum (two), Tyson Kapty, Jack Vergouwen, Dakoda Herman, Cody Willis, Kristian Ayoungman, Wyatt Rabbit Carrier and Blair Roszell each earned helpers.

Meanwhile, the following day in Red Deer, Ayoungman, Brooker Pretty Young Man and Coltyn Herman each scored once, while Roszell added a pair of assists in the draw.

According to head coach Devin Olson, the Chiefs are becoming more successful because they are finally playing like a team.

“The team finally came together – we had some attitudes that needed to be adjusted and we finally got some lines that started to roll,” said Olson. “Once you get on a little streak it kind of takes off and guys start seeing what we’ve been asking them to do.

“We don’t have that the big stars that can take over a game. We have three solid lines that we can roll all game. Last couple of years we had that number one line you could throw out … every second shift. This year we are much more balanced all the way through.”

 

Braves compete in Classic

The Wheatland Braves had a successful learning stint in the 21st Annual Premiere Pee Wee Classic tournament in Regina Jan. 24-27.

The local double-A peewee team finished first in their group by posting a 2-0-1 record in the round robin portion of the tourney.

The Braves opened the tournament with a 5-5 draw versus the Winnipeg River East Marauders on Jan. 24, before earning a 5-1 victory over the Estevan Bruins the following day. Later that day, the Braves defeated the Regina Blackhawks 4-3 to close out the round robin.

However, the team was defeated in the A quarterfinal, falling 7-3 to the Winnipeg Railcats to close out the tournament.

The Braves are back in action Feb. 1 when they travel to Medicine Hat, before tangling with the top-ranked Oilers Feb. 3 in Okotoks.