If the performance of the Ponoka Stampeders Junior B hockey team in their second exhibition game is any indication, this may be a turnaround year for the team.
The Stampeders faced off against the Wetaskiwin Icemen Sept. 13 forcing the Icemen to scramble and to earn the 6-6 tie score. Ponoka took the lead earlier on with a 3-1 lead at the end of the first period.
Head coach Mark Dobler was pleased with their performance and says the challenge his team faces is learning how to win after a tough no-win season last year.
The Stampeders won their first exhibition game and are now tied against the Icemen. “The number one thing is it creates confidence in the guys and the belief that you can win hockey games.”
“You have to understand how to win hockey games,” added Dobler.
Pressure from the Icemen was strong, but so was the Stampeders’ defence; players capitalized on loose pucks and kept calm under pressure, which allowed them to bring the lead to 6-3 at the end of the second. Dobler says there some fast skaters on his team that coaches are working with.
“We’re using our speed in the right areas to control the puck,” he said.
His biggest focus is working with players to look out for the pass but to keep control of the puck in key plays. “We just want to find ways to utilize the speed we have now.”
The only thing holding Ponoka back late in the third period was penalties, which hurt the team’s lead. With minutes left in the game, the Icemen were down 6-5. A couple of fights broke out in the third period with players on both sides losing control but a penalty late in the third period against the Stampeders proved to be the breaking point.
With a face-off at Ponoka’s end, the Icemen took out their goalie and now it was six against four. Wetaskiwin scored with seconds left, tying the game.
Dobler said he looks forward to the team’s potential and credits manager Denny Pannenbecker for his work recruiting players over the summer.
The Stampeders’ next home game is against the Blackfalds Wranglers Sept. 17, the last exhibition game before regular league play.