The Airdrie Thunder moved within three points of top spot in the Heritage Junior Hockey League’s North Division, after coming away with three of a possible four points last weekend.
With a 5-3 road win over the Strathmore Wheatland Kings, Jan. 7, and a 3-3 tie with the Mountainview Colts, Jan. 6 at the Ron Ebbesen Arena, the Thunder extended its unbeaten streak to eight games.
With 37 points, the team now sits tied for third with Mountainview, as both squads trail the Red Deer Vipers by two points, as well as the Three Hills Thrashers.
Airdrie captain Travis Wallan had a goal and two assists in the win over Strathmore, but thought he should have had another in the tie against the Colts – one that was called back by the referee.
“I thought I saw it go in, as did everyone I talked to, but what can you do?” he said following the game. “We didn’t take advantage of what we were given. We just couldn’t finish, although their goalie played pretty well also. I thought we played really well in the third period, so I’ll guess we’ll just try to build on that.”
Airdrie had three five-on-three power plays in the third period against Mountainview, while down 3-2, but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities. Kristian Petit also had a goal disallowed midway through the third, before defenceman Taylor Crossley put a wrist shot top shelf to tie the game with 9:56 remaining.
“We kind of dropped our tempo down to Didsbury’s level tonight, but if we play our game, nobody in the league can touch us,” Crossley said. “We just have to make sure we stay positive as a team. After the break, that first game back is always tough. It was nice to get that point.”
“Both ways, there were a lot of missed opportunities,” said Thunder assistant coach Gareth Barley. “There was lot of penalties called and it didn’t allow for a lot of flow to the game. It was tough for us, because after Christmas, we wanted to get all four lines going. You want to get everyone in the game, but we were constantly cutting lines to put the penalty-killing guys out.”
Airdrie jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against the Colts, on goals by Harrison Harper and Dylan Johnston, but Mountainview’s persistence showed with three straight goals in response.
“You know Didsbury is going to give you a crash and bang game and it was a battle tonight,” said Thunder assistant coach Brandon Miller. “We’ve beaten them twice and tied them twice, and might see them again in the playoffs, so it’s important to send a message.”
Goaltender Cody Boeckman made 26 saves the following evening against Strathmore, to earn his eighth win of the season. Petit, Matt Flette, Ryan Preston and Alex Diduch had the other Thunder goals.
Airdrie’s next home game will be on Jan. 13, when it hosts the Red Deer Vipers. Game time is 8 p.m. at the Ron Ebbesen Arena. On Jan. 14, the Thunder will visit its former division-rival Cochrane Generals. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
“Our goal is to get as many points as we can in the next 10 games to keep moving up the standings,” Barley said.
