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Stampeders lose but inspire hope

Stampeders lost 3-2 on Sunday, Oct. 6 a game they could have easily won but they still made their coach happy for continuing to show signs
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Stampeders made a great effort to equalize the score in the third period but the puck just did not go in.

Stampeders lost 3-2 on Sunday, Oct. 6 a game they could have easily won but they still made their coach happy for continuing to show signs of a lot of progress.

Appearing quite motivated and enthusiastic, Stampeders scored early in the first period and keeping the pressure on, they opened the lead to 2-0 before the Cubs of Medicine Hat scored and cut the lead to one before the end of the first period.

As the second period started, the local boys appeared to be struggling in controlling the puck and lacking precision in passing. As the clock continued ticking, the Cubs took control of the game and set up camp at the Stampeder’s half of the rink, taking shot after shot at Ponoka goal.

High class goaltending at the Ponoka net stopped many of the incoming shots, but the relentless Medicine Hat onslaught first led to an equalizer only to be followed by another point scored by the visitors.

Stampeders attempted to stage a comeback during the last five minutes of the second period with waves of attacks on the Cubs net failing to produce any change on the scoreboard.

The third period also saw intense Ponoka effort to equalize the score but weaknesses in passing and less than efficient execution of game plans left the Stampeders’ offense reeling in the face of staunch defensive effort by the Cubs.

Ponoka coach pulled back the goalie in the last minute in a final ditch attempt to bring equality to score but the effort proved too little too late.

Coach Mark Dobler of Stampeders did not seem to be too much bothered by the score because of the good work ethic and sound performance demonstrated by his players.

“Our team is young and the players are improving,” said Dobler.

“We played very well in the first period,” he said. Praising the physical effort invested in the game by his players, Dobler said what they needed was to focus more on proper execution of game plans during the practices this week to become ready for the Red Deer Vipers next Sunday, Oct. 13 when Stampeders host the Vipers at 2:30 p.m. at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation complex.