Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Progress is being made despite the fact the High Prairie Regals are still winless in the young NPHL season.

The Regals dropped to 0-5 after a 10-7 home ice loss to the Grande Prairie Athletics Nov 16. As the score would indicate, defence was not at a premium.

“We were OK in our defensive zone, but we were terrible off the rush,” says coach Trent Meyaard.

“We let them walk right in point-blank with way too much time and space.”

Time and time again, a green wave of Athletics skaters closed down on Regals’ goaltender Keygan Okemow, who left helpless on many occasions.

The Athletics led 4-3 after one period. Sheldon Kwiatkowski scored the first of his two goals on the night with Keaton Mercredi and Mitch Brennan adding the others.

Michael Cardinal, Luc L’Hirondelle and Devon Quartly replied for the Regals.

In the second period, the Regals seized momentum on goals from Drake Cunningham and Gordy Laderoute to take a 5-4 lead.

However, Mercredi’s second of the night tied the game 5-5 setting up a winner-take-all third.

Linden Calliou and Cunningham traded goals in the first 8:16 but only 13 seconds after Cuningham tied the game Kwiatkowksi scored his third of the night. Just over a minute later, Carter Berg scored the first of this two third period goals and the A’s were off to the races. Matt Davis added the ninth goal.

Thomas Cardinal scored for the Regals with nine seconds left to complete the scoring.

The seven goals scored in the loss is a bright spot for the struggling Regals, who had scored only eight goals in their first four games despite having several gifted offensive players.

“We knew the offence would break out,” says Meyaard.

“It was just matter of time. We just need to consistently keep it going and limit our goals against.”

The power play also showed life scoring on two of four chances with L’Hirondelle and Laderoute scoring.

“If only we could buy some more opportunities. Both (PP) units are pushing to be the number one unit,” says Meyaard.

However, surrendering 53 goals in five games will not get it done, although 22 were gifted to Dawson Creek in one game.

But Meyaard says it is not as bad as it appears.

“Our defensive zone coverage was fine,” he says.

“I rewatched the entire game. We had some breakdowns but the majority of the goals were off the rush. We had poor gap and poor back pressure, we are seeing major improvements, though.”

The team is also playing many different players in looking for the right mix.

“We have a lot of commitment and roughly 35 players at practices,” says Meyaard.

“Currently, we have six guys injured.”

Meyaard says the team has an abundance of forwards but a shortage of defencemen.

“Currently, numerous forwards are playing defence,” says Meyaard.

“We just don’t have any other options at this moment.

“But the weekend showed major improvements. Bringing Thomas Cardinal to town solidifies our blue line currently and really helps.”

Despite the losses, team spirit remains high.

“(Our) locker room believes we can beat any team on any given might if we put together 60 minutes,” says Meyaard.

The upcoming schedule is unforgiving for the Regals. Nov. 23, the team plays in Spirit River to conclude the season series. After that, its back home to Falher, at Fox Creek and at Falher. It doesn’t get much tough than that!

“The league is competitive and that’s what you want to see,” says Meyaard.

“No game’s ever easy and anybody can win on any given night. If you’re not ready – well – you know what will happen. We just look forward to the (next) game.”