Kings fail to gain ground in standings

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Doug Taylor Photo

 

Wheatland Kings head coach Emilio Fuoco said it was disappointing to see his boys put up a lackluster performance in a 6-4 home-ice loss to the High River Flyers, especially since they knew how important points are at this stage of the season “After a decent first period, I think the only thing we were really lacking was a little bit of intensity,” said Fuoco of the Jan. 17 contest. “But we seem to pick that up in the first part of the second period and the latter part of the second period we just took a step backwards. And in the third period there was not enough focus. The willingness to attack was there, but we weren’t willing to put ourselves on the line to play defense.”
Fuoco said the difference was the Kings poor play in their zone. He gave the Flyers credit for making it tough.
“They wanted to win those battles,” said Fuoco. “They definitely made it difficult. I have to give them credit for their effort. They deserved to win. I think we just need to understand especially at this time of year we’ve got to play a 200-foot game, a smart game and want it.”
Kristian Ayoungman scored two goals, while Chris Williams and Cole Busslinger rounded out the offense in the loss.
The Kings fell 4-3 to the Okotoks Bisons on the road Jan. 15.
The Kings will take on Okotoks again on Jan. 23 (8 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre.
The home game on Jan. 24 vs. Medicine Hat has been cancelled due to the Cubs not having enough players to field a team. The Cubs will forfeit the rest of the season.
The Kings currently sit in fourth place with 25 points, two points ahead of Banff and High River.