GRASSROOTS: High Country Rockies

(Grassroots: Page 12)

The High Country Rockies Midget 1 hockey team has enjoyed a tremendous start to the season. The Rockies have a 6-2 record with 46 goals scored for and 23 against as they sit 1st place in the Central Alberta Hockey League standings. Behind the scenes though a much more significant development has occurred as players have developed a "team first" attitude, with leaders Dylan Bosak, Tanner Russell, Justin Jones and Ryden Brogden leading the way.
On December 11th, the Rockies travelled to Evansburg, Alberta to compete in a Midget A hockey tournament. After losing the first game 7-5, the Rockies went on a tear going 3-0 with 15 goals for and 6 goals against, on their way to their first Championship of the season. Captain Blake Roney, and tournament MVP Dylan Klopp were leaders both on and off the ice as they exhibited the work ethic required to compete in Midget 1 hockey.
In the first game against the Primetime Storm, the Rockies played their best game of the season to that point. They controlled the play at both ends of the ice with excellent puck possession and puck support, but were unable to convert on their chances. After an empty net goal, the score was 7-5 for the Storm even though the Rockies outshot them 34-18. In the second game that day the Rockies came out flying and opened up a 4-2 lead at one point, but they had a small mental lapse in the 3rd period which allowed Sherwood Park back in the game. The boys were able to pull it out though with a 5-4 win on the backs of strong performances by Wyatt Little Chief and Cole Ouellette.
On Sunday, the Rockies faced a "win and you're in" situation as they played a very strong Edmonton SE team. For the first time this season the Rockies played a full 60 minute playoff atmosphere type game. Going into the 3rd period it was a tightly checked 0-0 game due in large part to their goalie Colton Briggs. In the final frame the Rockies exploded for 4 unanswered goals on route to a 4-0 final.
After a quick turnaround, the Rockies had to refocus as they played the Primetime Storm again in the finals. The first period showcased a tired bunch of players as the first frame ended 1-1. On the back of consistently strong efforts by Tanner Tymstra and Kevin Ball, the boys finished the game in complete control. The final score was 6-2.
Throughout the tournament the Rockies maintained a positive mental attitude as they focused on controlling their emotional swings. Key players in this area were Calvin Crighton, Alex Brassard, Konnor Dixon, Coltin Berard and Cody Goss.
A special thanks goes out to Joel Turocotte, Bill Goss, Steve Briggs, Debbie Roney, Kevin Younker, Don Crighton and Mike Ouellette for their continued support of these fine young men.
Coach Ovens

Upcoming Games
Sunday, January 2nd, 3:45pm Oilfields Regional Arena Exhibition Game against Bow Valley.
Friday, January 7th, 6:45pm Oilfields Regional Arena against Taber.
Friday, January 21st, 6:45pm Oilfields Regional Arena against Airdrie.
Sunday, January 23rd, 4:15pm Okotoks Centennial Arena against Okotoks.
Friday, February 4th, 6:45pm Oilfields Regional Arena against Oyen.
Friday, February 18th, 6:45pm Oilfields Regional Arena Exhibition game against McKnight 1.
Please come out and support these young men ~ they play excellent hockey.