Kings finish strong; get Cubs first round

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Wheatland Kings quite possibly played their most complete game of the season as they blanked the Airdrie Thunder 4-0 to end the regular season on Feb. 7 at the Strathmore Family Centre.
It seemed as though the team had a jump in their stride to begin the game, as they found themselves up 3-0 after the first.
“I think the guys feel good in there as everyone contributed. In the past couple of weeks the results haven’t been there on the scoreboard, but we’ve played some real good hockey in stretches,” said head coach Jeremy Blumes. “We got a lot of talent, ability and smarts in there and when we apply ourselves, we’re a very good team.”
The boys played hard and that’s what led to a consistent effort through the whole game.
“I think tonight everybody played to their role and played to their strengths and when we do that, we’re a tough team to beat,” said Blumes.
Kings goaltender Bryce Halverson has been a stalwart in the crease all year long and got praise from his coach for a well-earned shutout.
“Bryce played very well, he’s big and was calm in the net. I thought there wasn’t a lot of wasted movement and I thought his slides were controlled,” said Blumes. “I thought we played well in front of him, our defence were physical, they boxed out and tied up sticks in front.”
He also added that the defence were being versatile and moving the puck well.
“I also thought our defencemen did a good job of making that good first pass and there were other times where that pass wasn’t available, but we got some mobile defencemen that can skated it out of trouble,” said Blumes.
Jarred Burnet, Matt Thomson, Graham Watkins and Lucas Jones scored in the win.
The Kings will open the playoffs on Feb. 13 in Medicine Hat, while they will host Game 2 on Feb. 14 (8 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre. Game 3, if necessary, will be the following day in Medicine Hat.
Both teams split the season series with two wins apiece, but Blumes knows it will be a hard-fought series.
“I think it’s not as much about Medicine Hat as what we as the Kings are going to do. If we’re going stay focused and play with a purpose, I like our chances,” said Blumes.
“We have scoring and toughness throughout the line-up, we’ve got guys that can skate. I think all the ingredients are there, it’s just a matter of putting them together.”
Medicine Hat was one of the hottest teams down the stretch and the Kings will need to be aware on the ice at all times if they are to have a shot.
“They won 11 of their last 14 games, they’ve been playing well and they’re a worthy opponent,” said Blumes. “By late Sunday night a winner will be determined.”