Vipers sting Kings on power play

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

A flurry of second period power play goals for the Red Deer Vipers inevitably sunk the Strathmore Wheatland Kings 6-5 Oct. 29 at Collicutt Arena.
“It definitely doesn’t help playing shorthanded like that,” said Kings captain Kennan Ogle. “It doesn’t make it easy, it’s a mental toll, we lose focus and argue with the refs instead of focusing on putting the puck in the back of the net.”
The Vipers clocked the Kings 5-1 back on Oct. 7 in a spirited Heritage Junior Hockey League affair at the Strathmore Family Centre.
“It was a pretty similar game as to when we played them the first time,” said Kings assistant coach Braden Desmet. “We come out with a great first period and then just lackadaisical in the second.”
Ogle’s line mate Kody Hammond was sent off for a four-minute spearing minor at the 9:30 mark of the second period. A Hayden Vanderploeg slashing penalty 18 seconds later sent the Vipers to a five-on-three advantage. They cashed in three times within 1:10, jumping ahead 6-2.
“They capitalized on their power play chances and we didn’t,” said Desmet.
The Kings went 0-for-6 on the man advantage.
Ogle’s line began to redeem themselves in the third, as Ogle scored a natural hat trick to bring his team within one. His last hat trick came two years ago, as a member of the Kings against the High River Flyers.
“The hat trick helps boost the confidence a little bit,” said Ogle. “They’re always welcome.”
Brooker Pretty Youngman extended his point-streak to 11 games with a goal, and Matt Thomson sniped one in the first. Both players picked up separate fighting majors in the third. Cole Busslinger and Hammond registered three assists each.
Kings netminder Brady Hoover was tested again, facing 38 shots. He sits second in the HJHL for shots faced, with 399.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Kings as they hosted the Blackfalds Wranglers (6-5) Nov. 1 at the Strathmore Family Centre (result not available as of press time).
The Wranglers edged the Kings 4-3 in a shootout back on Oct. 9.
Games against the northern division are where the Kings can pick up a few key points in hopes to move up in the southern standings.
“We need to come ready to play,” said Desmet. “Picking up points against northern teams will help us get back on track.”
The Kings are on the road when they take on the Flyers (5-10) Nov. 4 at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex. The next home game for the Kings goes Nov. 12 against the Stettler Lightning (6-6-1) at the Strathmore Family Centre. Puck drop is set for 8:15 p.m.