Kings maintain narrow south division lead

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings continue to maintain their narrow lead over the South Division and are nipping at the heels of the North Division leaders. 

Nov. 21-22 closed out with a pair of wins for the Kings, besting Airdrie Techmation Thunder, 5-3, in their arena, followed by the obliteration of the High River Flyers, 12-1, back home in Strathmore. 

“We were firing on all cylinders there on Saturday. It was an important game for us because we are hosting the all-star game in a couple of weeks, we wanted to try to finish the weekend in first place in the south,” said Doug Raycroft, head coach of the Wheatland Kings. “We came out and we just were first to pucks all night and right from the first period, we were just all over them and we were able to get lots of goals. It was a pretty good 60-minute effort from us.”

Raycroft added he was glad to see his team not become complacent when squaring off against the Flyers, despite their current record planting them firmly at the bottom of the south division.

The Kings currently boast 26 league points, with a record of 13 wins and one loss. Just behind, are the Medicine Hat Cubs, and the Coaldale Copperheads, both with 25 league points. 

In the North Division, the Red Deer Vipers and Sylvan Lake Wranglers continue to lead with 30 league points each, followed by the Mountainview Colts at 24. 

“For us, it is about how we are playing. We don’t worry too much about where we are, but it is pretty close in the south. The difference between first and fourth is only two points, so for us it’s about trying to get better all the time,” said Raycroft. “We have been working really hard on our defensive side of the game and that is one of the areas that we hope to continue to improve.”

Despite their satisfaction with their current place in the standings, Raycroft added he does not want the team to rest on their laurels. Throughout the rest of the season, the emphasis will be on improving the Kings’ defense. 

Next up on the schedule for the Kings is being back on the road to Medicine Hat for Nov. 28, followed by returning home, Nov. 29, to square off against Okotoks.

“It’s a tough weekend for us, obviously two teams that we are basically almost tied with in the standing. It’s a big weekend so we will be trying to get the boys ready,” said Raycroft.

For the upcoming all-star game, scheduled for Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Strathmore Family Center Arena, representatives from across the league will be coming into town to participate. The Kings will be putting forward four representatives.