Kings back on track

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Wheatland Kings are in higher spirits after sweeping both of their games on Nov. 21 with a hard-fought 2-1 road win in Stettler and a 6-3 win over High River at home the following day.
“I think it reflects the character we have in that room, we weren’t happy as a group with how we played (last weekend) and we took (this) weekend to try make things right,” said head coach Jeremy Blumes.
In a fast-paced game against High River, the Kings were able to establish a physical presence and sustain pressure in both ends of the ice.
“I think the first 5-10 minutes we were feeling out High River and as soon as we were moving the puck quickly and skating quickly they had a tough time containing us. Sebastian (Turgeon) is a perfect example of (making) a good pass, driving the puck wide and beat the defender with his natural ability,” said Blumes. “When you put together 20-25 guys and then there is players coming in and out of the line up, it takes a little while to build chemistry and I think that guys are starting to understand their roles and being able to play to their strengths.”
Blumes felt his team took the right approach into both games and positive results showed.
“I think we had a good approach. We remained patient and positive on the bench, there was a belief that even when High River scored that third goal, that there was not much of a sag on the bench,” said Blumes.
“Give that High River team some credit, I think they have a lot of guys on there that work hard and are gritty.”
First star of the game Sebastien Turgeon, who had a three-point night, thought his speed and the support he had on his line were factors in his performance.
“This weekend we came out a little bit harder in the first period. I think we’re starting to pick it up out there, our third period is where we are shining,” said Turgeon. “I think my speed has been very beneficial in the way I have been playing and definitely Jonesy made me a nice pass on the second goal.”
Turgeon led the way with two goals, while Keenan Ogle, Justin Kostiuk, Matt Thomson and Brayden Beckley got one apiece.
In Stettler, it was Brady Bruneau and Kirby Ruzesky that scored in the win.
The Kings will take to the road on Friday, Nov. 28 when they take on the Cochrane Generals (7:30 p.m.) and Nov. 29 when they host the Ponoka Stampeders (8:15 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre.