Kings falter late in season

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings have dropped from second to third in the South Division after a pair of weekend losses.

The Kings dropped a 5-4 road decision to Okotoks, followed by 4-2 loss to Airdrie the following day at the Strathmore Family Centre. 

Head coach Doug Raycroft said he is pleased with his team’s performance against Okotoks, and they were in a position to win, however yielded goals at the wrong times. 

Against Airdrie, the tale was very different. He explained the team ultimately did not play well, coupled with stresses inflicted by Airdrie’s goaltenders. Of the 35 shots on net taken, only two were scored over the course of the game. 

“I really felt like we dominated the play for a lot of the game and outshot them, but they had really good goaltending and unfortunately we could not find the net,” he said. “It was a big game for Airdrie as well – it is a big playoff run for them; they are trying to get a spot up there in the north. It was a little disappointing, but you learn what you can and I think for our guys, it is just being ready to play against every kind of team.”

Raycroft added the pressure is on for the Kings going into their final two games of the regular season in order to reclaim their second place in the division. 

“We play Medicine Hat on Friday night (Feb. 7) in Strathmore. They have two games left and so do we and they are up one point on us. If we beat them on Friday, and then we win in Coaldale, we will be second place,” he said. “Likewise, if they beat us, they will be second place. So, it is going to be a pretty big battle there. Both teams are pretty desperate for the win.”

Raycroft acknowledged the skill and quality of the rival team, adding the Kings will have to work hard to not give them any opportunities to eke out an advantage. 

Competing for second is critical, as the team that finishes in higher will earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.

“We will definitely need to win both games this weekend to get second, and the same goes for them,” said Raycroft. “They will have to win both, but it is a pretty close battle right to the end.”