Kings crown Rams

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After postponing their game against the Cochrane Generals, Nov. 23, the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings defeated the Rocky Mountain House Rams 4-3 the following day at the Strathmore Family Centre.

“I think it is better safe than sorry when the road conditions are that bad – so we will have to reschedule that game, so the boys got an extra night with no game to rest up and only had the one game this weekend,” said Doug Raycroft, head coach of the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings. 

Squaring off against the Rams, the Kings yielded two goals in the first period. This was followed by three unanswered goals in the second period, putting the Kings on the advantage, 3-2. In the third, both teams landed one goal each, closing it out with a final score of 4-3 in favour of the Kings. 

“We had a bad start, but other than that, we really worked hard. For the most part, we were really good in our own end and I think last week when we lost in Coaldale, we did not move the puck very well. I thought we were better today at moving the puck, so it was a step in the right direction for sure,” said Raycroft. “It is a long season of ups and downs and right now we are 13-4, which I think is really close to (if not) the best record I think this team has ever had, so we are really close, fighting with the top teams in the league.”

The Kings currently sit third in the Southern Division at 26 points, trailing behind Okotoks on top with 31 points, and Medicine Hat in second at 30 points. Okotoks has two additional games played over the Kings, and Medicine Hat has three. 

Raycroft said he has confidence that his team can make up the points once they are able to catch up in the number of games played compared to the other teams in the league. 

“We want to really keep working on playing fast, which means moving the puck lots and so we are going to keep working on that and we want to have a couple looks for forechecks,” he added. “In the next few weeks, we will be introducing some different systems and trying to get our guys to work on that and hopefully that will give us a few different looks against different teams when we get close to the playoffs.”

The Kings pack the bus for a pair of road games against the High River Flyers and the Rocky Mountain House Rams Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 respectively.