Kings start new year strong

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings have opened the new year strong with a pair of wins against the Cochrane Generals, and the Red Deer Vipers, respectively. 

Kicking off 2025 on the road, the Kings defeated both teams in their home arenas, Jan. 3, and 4.

“When you go into a break, you are always worried about a lot of guys having gone on vacation, ate a lot, relaxed a lot, and they were not at the rink at all. Coming back from a break like that, you are worried that you might not play the same way,” said Doug Raycroft, head coach of the Kings. “We were lucky – I feel really good that we got four points this weekend. We did not play perfect, but we went to Cochrane on Friday and really felt like we killed most of the second and third periods.”

The following game squaring off against the Vipers, Raycroft explained the Kings only fielded eight defensemen and 10 forwards, as they were still shorthanded from the holiday, as well as due to ongoing suspensions. 

Following their weekend of wins, the Kings also were scheduled to play the High River Flyers on the road, Jan. 7. This game had been rescheduled from Dec. 21.

“(Now) we can get into a more regular routine where we get a few practices and games on the weekends again,” said Raycroft. “That is what we are looking forward to is that routine and getting eight to 10 games in here with our whole roster before playoffs start.”

Now that the Kings are back on the rink, Raycroft explained he is wanting to develop better puck management and creating pressure rather than turning the puck over to an opponent. 

This however is going to come with practice, particularly following a long break and not everyone being on the same page as they initially get back onto the ice. 

Next on the schedule for the Kings is another away game against the Three Hills Thrashers, Jan. 10, followed by their first home game of the new year against the Okotoks Bisons on Jan. 11 (8 p.m.).