Only a clerical error stands as the difference between the Canmore Eagles and the Drumheller Dragons. The two Alberta Junior Hockey League rivals, who finished fifth and fourth, respectively, in the South Division step onto the ice Wednesday night for the opening game of their playoff series and even the coaches and players admit this series is as evenly matched as indicated by their head-to-head records.
“I think the stats have shown that we’re really even. I think the two teams match up really well. It’s going to be a matter of ‘who makes the first mistake?’” said Eagles captain Riley Point, who led all scorers in the six regular-season games played between the teams with four goals and 11 points.
“I think it’s going to be that close. I’m positive going in. If there’s a team you want to play, I think Drumheller would definitely be one of them. It’s going to be really close.”
The two teams each won three of six games and each scored 19 goals. However, the Dragons had to give up one of those victories for using an ineligible player. A mistake that not only cost them a win — and meant in the record books the Eagles won four of the six meetings — but earned head coach Brian Curran a three-game ban. He will not be behind the bench for Game 1 of the best-of-five series.
Full Story from The Canmore Leader