By Jeff Labine The Stettler Independent
Stettler junior B Lightning head coach Rory Rost isn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Although the season is still young, the bolts have been struggling to find victory. Their game against Blackfalds on Oct. 24 didn’t end well with Stettler taking a loss 8-3. The Bolts kept a much closer game on Oct. 27 against Strathmore. The two teams were neck and neck but Wheatland Kings were able to score in overtime bringing the game to an end at 8-7.
Despite the losses, Rost hasn’t lost hope.
“I think a couple of strong games, we can turn this season around pretty quick,” he said. “I’m not hitting the panic button yet.”
Rost admitted the team didn’t get off to a strong start this year and wasn’t sure why. He said the Bolts often dig themselves into a hole but often rise to the occasion to keep the hope of victory alive.
The problem boils down to the Bolts not being able to finish teams off, he said, or catching up to them.
“We’re giving up too many goals,” he added.
Rost looked on the bright side by saying despite what he called a disappointing loss, the team still received a point. He said over the last few games, the Bolts have been able to put numbers on the scoreboard but the problem has been trying to secure that win.
He said he’s not pointing fingers at anyone and believes the team as a whole has to turn things around. He argued it’s easy to put blame on the goalies but they are the last line of defence with the forwards being the first.
“We’re allowing the teams too much speed, defence is backing up too quick and then the goalies aren’t making the saves we’re expecting them to make,” he said. “It’s a whole team effort as far as a lack of defence. I’m hoping it will come around.”