Wheatland Kings knocked out of playoffs

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

The Wheatland Kings’ playoff run came to an abrupt and decisive end on Feb. 25 after being defeated in game five of their best-of-seven series against the Okotoks Bisons. 

Played in Okotoks, the Kings were completely shut out with the game concluding 5-0 for the Bisons. The series score ended 4-1. 

Kings head coach Ron West said it, of course, was not the result he was hoping for, but nevertheless he is proud of his team and how far they were able to come.

“It was kind of disappointing. I felt that Okotoks didn’t play very good on their level, but we played the same level and intensity,” said West.

“They brought their game a little bit more in the first, we decided to bring our game in the third, but still we couldn’t get any goals and we lost 5-0.”

West believed his team came out a little flat during the first period, something that proved fatal to the team in previous games, and that the Bisons took the early momentum of the game. 

During the second period, West said his boys began to pick up the pace but still struggled to capitalize on any opportunities to score. Meanwhile, the same couldn’t be said for their opponent.

“The third period I felt that we came out with even better jump, knowing our season was on the line, but still couldn’t get the job done. It’s just a tough one,” said West.

“It’s frustrating as a coach, but on the same level, you can coach systems, you can coach how to play, but they’ve got to play from the heart. They may think it the right way, but they just never quite got there.”

Despite their overall defeat, West added that even taking one game from the Bisons was a win as they are ranked among the Top 10 teams in Canada for the level of play, having only lost a handful of games throughout the entire season.

Rarely have the Wheatland Kings made it past the first round of the playoffs. 

“If you look at this team when they first started, they didn’t look like a team in a lot of ways, that would even make the playoffs,” said West.

“They have (previously) beaten every team that’s still in it in the final four and that’s something to be said. They do have a lot of heart and drive and I think that’s the biggest part.”

Already thinking about the next season, West has a few ideas about how he wants to coach his team and get them ready to make another run through the playoffs. 

Before that, however, West is going to need to find himself some new players as several of his team are ageing out, including his captain, two of his assistants and one of his goaltenders.

“They’re all leaders, so we have to replace that and that’s always not easy. For the captain, I already know who we will have as captain next year and a couple of the assistants I can see where they drive the heart of the team,” said West.

“It’s a matter of getting stronger on defense and a little bit more goal scoring from all four lines, so we’ll have to do a little shopping (for players).”

West’s goal for the next season is to at minimum see his team make it through the second round of the playoffs and continue to push further than ever. The next season of play is scheduled to begin in September.