Kings earn split heading into Game 3

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Agra Risk Wheatland Kings stand on even footing with the Cochrane Generals after the first two games of their best of five playoff series. 

Rejoining the league after their first-round bye, the Kings have claimed home ice advantage. Squaring off for Game 1, Feb. 14, the home team took the win 5-4. The following day, the Generals struck back on their home ice, demolishing the Kings 7-1.

“Saturday in town here was a pretty close game, then (Sunday) it was one-nothing halfway through the game and they got a few and pulled away from us there in the end,” said Doug Raycroft, head coach of the Wheatland Kings. “We are hoping we can get the win Wednesday at home, and then hopefully finish them off on the road there on Friday. We will see.”

Throughout the regular season, the Kings and the Generals met on the ice five times. Of these, the Kings were victorious only twice. 

When it came to the regular standings, the two teams were neck-and-neck all season, largely boasting the exact same win-loss records right up until the very end. 

“They are a good team. We knew it was going to be a tough series, and it is not disappointing so far. That’s exactly what it’s been,” said Raycroft. “They are playing like we thought and the biggest thing for us is just playing our kind of game that we need to play. That is the thing we are trying to get our guys is just to focus on our game and be disciplined.”

Raycroft emphasized the need for his team to take as few penalties as possible throughout the series and not give the Generals any potential advantages.

Despite feelings being elevated for the playoffs, the trick will be to remain as collected as possible and maintain the team’s systems. 

“We could play better. (Sunday), we did not play well. I don’t think we played well at all. To be one and one against a good team and still hoping that we get our best hockey still ahead of us, we feel fortunate about that,” he said. “I think our guys have to play our game. It sounds simple but I think a lot of times, people get fired up because it’s playoffs and they don’t keep their emotions in check, they start doing things that maybe they wouldn’t normally.”

Following Game 3 in Strathmore on Feb. 18, the Kings will travel to Cochrane to play Feb. 20. Should it be required, Game 5 will be back in Strathmore on Feb. 21.