Kings conquer Copperheads
By Mario Prusina Times Editor
Doug Taylor Photo
Down by three to the then 9-1-2 Copperheads, the Kings exploded for six unanswered third period goals en route to a 6-3 win over Coaldale on Nov. 4 at the Strathmore Family Centre.
According to Kings Head Coach Joel Robinson, the Kings left it all on the ice in the last 20 minutes.
“I think for us, we’re definitely looking to make those strides,” said Robinson. “Getting a big comeback win like that, just being a young team … those are the guys working hard and that’s where the credit is due. That was a super impressive comeback, I think it was one of the best we’ve had in our franchise.”
After the Kings got on the board 3:49 into the third period, they scored three power play goals in just over a four-minute span to take over the game. Two empty netters sealed the deal.
“We need to start bearing down in our defensive zone,” said Robinson. “With a team like that, we have to take away their time and space – they have two skilled lines, but it didn’t seem like they could skate with our speed. When we use our speed and go back into the defensive zone like we’re supposed to, that’s what helped us succeed. The first two periods, we kind of got away from our defensive responsibilities and kind of puck watched for a little bit.”
Lucas Muenchrath scored twice and added three assists, while his partner in crime Isaac Benoit added three helpers. Garret Vander Ploeg scored twice, while Kyle Bracko and Adrian Kusu rounded out the scoring.
The Kings, who improved to 8-5-1 on the season, will now prepare for the rematch versus the Copperheads, this time on the road on Nov. 10. The team will then travel to Three Hills on Nov. 13.
According to Robinson, the team is trending in the right direction.
“We’re a young team and I kind of challenged the guys that we want to get 20 wins this year,” said the coach. “From watching the competition now, I think that the boys are starting to realize that first or second in the south is not such a far-off dream anymore. I think they are really starting to believe that’s where we could be and have one of the better teams that Strathmore has ever had in their (franchise) history.”