The Ponoka Stampeders’ road trip to southern Alberta did not prove as fruitful as hoped but the team came close to a win.
Their first game was against the Medicine Hat Cubs where Ponoka lost 4-3 after taking the game to overtime Saturday, Nov. 22. Team captain Cody Lemon, who is still off due to an injury, said he was proud of the effort of his teammates.
“It was a huge confidence builder for us,” said Lemon.
The narrow loss showed the players that hard work and dedication in a game provides the potential of a win, he added. “We weren’t going to let the team push us around.”
Kyran Karol, with an assist from Chandler Knibb and Nate Higgins, scored their first goal in the second period. Thomas Barrett capitalized on a power play at 13 minutes into the second. Five minutes into the third period Braeden Grant, assisted by Kyran Karol, scored the goal that tied it 3-3 forcing overtime.
“I think if we played all 60 minutes we would’ve taken two points,” said Lemon.
Shots on goal were 46 for Ponoka and the Cubs took 45 shots.
Okotoks Bisons pull ahead
The Stampeders competed against the Okotoks Bisons the next day, which was a one-point game until the third period.
Ponoka lost 2-5 against Okotoks but Lemon said they held them for most of the game. “Especially in the first period. Everyone stepped up.”
Okotoks capitalized on three of the seven power plays against the Stampeders compared to two of eight for Ponoka.
The Stampeders’ two goals were scored during power plays. Brandon Duthie scored in the first period after receiving help from Kyran Karol and Tye Munro. Ponoka’s second goal was scored in the second period by Kyran Karol with an assist from Thomas Barrett and Tyson Crampaign.
Shots on goal for Ponoka were 29, compared to 52 from Okotoks.
Lemon says the team is getting better with each game played and he looks forward to watching them at their next home game Sunday, Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. against the Strathmore Wheatland Kings.
Lemon said he would be taking some time with physical therapy to try and heal a rotator cuff injury.