Kings split road games

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Wheatland Kings started off the weekend with a solid 60 minute effort en route to a 3-1 road win in High River.
“I certainly thought in High River we were a lot more composed and started out playing with a purpose and with a focus,” said head coach Jeremy Blumes.
The Kings were able to play a simple road game in High River and that is what got them the win.
“We kept it simple on our power play. We made sure we got to the front of the net and when we had an open look, we were shooting,” said Blumes.
Blumes felt it was a good challenge for his team to not have last change and to have that confidence in the more experienced guys on the team.
“It’s a good challenge for some of the players that are going to see the opposition’s top lines. I thought in High River we were capable of that challenge,” said Blumes.
Kirby Ruzesky led the way with two goals while Malyk John added one in the victory.
However, on Sunday afternoon in Okotoks, it seemed that the Kings were up to their old antics again by taking lot of penalties, which resulted in a 7-3 loss.
“In Okotoks we took some early penalties right off the bat and we had the wrong kind of emotional response once those penalties were called and we were down 2-0 five minutes into the game,” said Blumes.
Blumes became frustrated with the fact that his team tried to dictate the officiating.
“Whether we agree with the official or not, we can’t be whining or complaining. One of the three rules we have, (is) to get better every day,” said Blumes.
“One of the reasons I am ashamed is we keep making the same mistakes over and over again.”
The Kings will continue their road swing this weekend when they play in Cochrane against the Generals (7:30 p.m.) on Jan. 31, and on Feb. 1 in Banff against the Bears with puck drop at 3:30 p.m.