Kings get first ever series win

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Wheatland Kings head coach Jeremy Blumes could not have felt more rewarded than he did after his team swept their first round series with the Medicine Hat Cubs this past weekend.
The Kings took Game 1 with a 4-2 win on Feb. 13 in Medicine Hat and won 2-1 in Game 2 on home ice the following day. He is the first coach in franchise history to win a playoff series.
“It’s rewarding, obviously there has been lots of ups and downs this season but I think that you’re seeing guys starting to play for one another, putting the team first and playing disciplined, it’s good to see,” said Blumes. “You definitely noticed a difference in the dressing room and I see us growing and getting better.”
The difference in the series was having everyone working hard and contributing in one way or another on the ice.
“There’s a couple of things – number one our goaltending was outstanding. Number two, I think you really saw a difference in the two teams in terms of our depth down the middle,” said Blumes. “I think (Brayden) Beckley’s line did a great job shutting down. Then you have Kirby (Ruzesky), Calvin Gordon, Beckley and Jay Manning 65 per cent (combined) on faceoffs. I thought they did a real good job down low in our zone.
“The third factor was shot blocking, I saw a real commitment of getting in the shooting lanes and sacrificing the body for the greater good.”
The Kings will now move on to face the Coaldale Copperheads in Round 2 and know that they will have to stay focused and disciplined if they want to win the seven game series.
“I think a lot of people would say we’re underdogs going into the series. We’re fine with that – it’s not going to be the Kings being happy to be in the South Division semi-final,” said Blumes. “We see what we’re capable of when we put our mind to it and approach the series against Coaldale with passion, discipline and focus.”
The boys know that they have to keep up their compete level as it will be a lengthy seven game series.
“It’s going to be a battle, when you’re playing seven games in 10 days, it’s going to be a war and the team that’s better conditioned and taking care of things away from the rink, I’m going to like our chances,” said Blumes.
Game 2 versus the Cubs saw one of the higher attendances of the season, and the Kings want the crowds to keep coming out throughout the postseason.
Round 2 began Feb. 18 in Coaldale (result not available as of press time) with Game 2 will be back in Strathmore on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.