Ice Flat Against Better Killam Team

Cold Lake Ice netminder Dustin Johnson-Watson prepares for a shot as Killam Wheat Kings captain Clay Lang fishes for the puck in between Ice defenseman Jake Bartman’s legs. Image provided by http://gamereadyphotography.com

It was not the Ice’s best effort this season.

They were outshot, outchanced, and outworked for 60 minutes by the undefeated Killam Wheat Kings Saturday night.

Three first period goals put the game out of reach as the Ice couldn’t sustain much pressure in the offensive zone, or stop the Wheat Kings forecheck from extending time in their own end.

The 4-1 loss (a late goal by Jayden Frey) was disappointing after the closer result the night before in Lloydminster, said Coach Scott Hood.

“The work ethic wasn’t there from the previous night against Lloyd,” said Hood.

“We lost 4-3 to Lloyd but worked hard and battled in tight, and just didn’t have a lot of life and some passengers. But hey, it’s a work in progress. The same thing I say every time.”

Ice forward Tyler Shankowsky and Killam’s Jordan Mande stare down the play. Image provided by gamereadyphotography.com

Killam’s high-powered offense showed flashes and capitalized on the few rebounds that Dustin Johnson-Watson let up.

League-leader in scoring Clay Lang added two assists and was buzzing for most of the night with his strong skating ability for Killam. It was often left to Ice captain Coltan Buchta to match-up against him.

Plus, the penalty kill wasn’t kind to Cold Lake as Killam potted

It doesn’t get any easier for the Ice. They host the defending league champions Wainwright Bisons who did not play last week because their contest in Vegreville was cancelled.

“The three-time league champions and two-time Provincial champions are here, and they’ve got a great team. But it doesn’t matter who you play, you’ve got to be prepared for yourselves, how you want to play and what you want to do. Another Saturday night in town, hopefully the guys will be rocking and we’ll give them a good game,” said Hood.