Ponoka News Staff
A day after they won their first regular season game in a few years, Ponoka Stampeders almost repeated the feat on home ice on Saturday, Oct. 11, but an overtime goal by the opposition shattered the dream, postponing the celebration by the home fans to the next occasion.
Saturday’s gruelling and well-matched Junior Heritage League hockey game against Medicine Hat Cubs ended 6-5 in favour of the visitors, but it by no means cast a shadow on the away victory by Stampeders versus High River with a score of 5-2 a day earlier.
Stampeders’ home game was tied 5-5 until the last two minutes of overtime, when the Medicine Hat Cubs scored their winning point in power play, returning home with the win.
“We came out and we played well,” said head coach Mark Dobler in reference to the aggressive game, during which the Stampeders dominated the rink most of the time.
The first period ended in 0-0 and Dobler says the Stampeders had created many opportunities to score but just were not able to follow through with the puck in the net.
Picking up heat in the second period, the Ponoka boys scored four times with three of their points left unanswered during the period. “We basically cashed in on our opportunities,” said Dobler.
Dobler feels the team’s defeat came after the boys got too comfortable. “We scored three in about two minutes and we strayed away from our game plan.”
“I think we took some ill-advised penalties and that cost us the game,” he added.
However, Dobler believes it was a game the Stampeders should have won. “This is one of those games we’ll learn from . . . if we can stick to our game plan for 60 minutes.”
The game saw a lot of talent and energy from the close-knit team, qualities that have not been prevalent in recent years.
“We have some real good character guys,” said Dobler. He also praises his veteran players for stepping up and taking control of the team and the games.
A day earlier, in High River, the Stampeders played another fast action game, which they won 5-2, their first in multiple years.
Goalie Zane Steeves saved 36 shots from the opposing Flyers players. Tyson Crampain, Kaden Leibel, Austin Ancion, Brandon Duthie and Brendan Scott each scored one goal to make up the tally.
The Stampeders’ next home game is Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7:45 when they host Stettler Lightning.