While the Ponoka Junior B Stampeders hockey team has yet to post a win six games into their season, they're starting to see some forward momentum.
After some tough losses, and players recovered from colds and flu bugs, the team had a good week of practice at the beginning of the month and were rearing for a comeback.
The Stampeders headed out to Rocky on Oct. 4, excited and hopeful.
"(After) losing leads in a couple of losses the boys really wanted to redeem themselves," said head coach and general manager Trevor Sigfusson, adding the team was hoping to grab one or two wins on the weekend.
"The Rams came out flying and scored a couple quick ones," said Sigfusson. "The Stamps fought back and took a 5-3 lead only to lose focus for a quick four goals against.
The game ended 7-5 for the Rams.
"The team was devastated with the loss."
The on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Stamps welcomed the Carstar Okotoks Bisons, the reigning provincial champions.
"The Stamps knew this would be a tough game against a very skilled group," said Sigfusson, adding they were nevertheless optimistic and knew they had to be at their best.
"They all knew they didn't want to suffer a loss with a big spread at home and used that for motivation."
The Stampeders were shutout in the first period, with three goals against them within the first four minutes of play.
While they held the Bisons to just one goal in the second and third periods, they weren't able to find the back of the Bison's net.
"The team played well, winning or tying nine of the 12 blocks we broke the game into."
The final score was 5-0 for the Bisons.
"The game was a loss on the scoreboard but it was a good teaching moment and we will build from there," said Sigfussson.
The player of the week was forward No. 15 Brendon Harnack. He had a strong weekend, scoring three times and adding an assist.
"His leadership propelled his entire line. Brendon was also a force on the special teams when called upon."
The team has recently signed some new talent and welcomed a former Stampeder back as well. Second year forward Max Battle from Victoria B.C. has returned, taking to the Stamps' offensive system right away.
The Stamps also signed centre Karter Simpson from Holmglen, Alta, and goal tender Austin Hartman from Drumheller.
A first year HJHL player, Simpson settled in with the Stamps quickly.
Hartman made an "immediate impression" at the Stamps' spring camp and the team has high hopes for him.
This past week in practices, the team focused on its offensive system and power play set up as well as skills and conditioning drills.
Their goal is to win at least two out of every five games in order to qualify for a playoff spot.
The Stampeders are holding their Celebrity Serve Night at the Ponoka Boston Pizza on Oct. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Then they have a home game against the Three Hills Thrashers on Friday, Oct. 11, starting at 7:30 p.m., and hit the road on Saturday, Oct. 13, to play the Sylvan Lake Wranglers.