Stettler Lightning began the new calendar year on the wrong skate as the local team narrowly lost 3-2 to Mountainview Colts of Didsbury in Heritage Junior B Hockey League action Jan. 3 at Stettler Recreation Centre.
Shortly after the Lightning tied the game at 2-2 when Orie Spearing scored in the third period at 13:39, the Colts roped the game-winner at 15:26.
Clayton Herzog scored the first goal for the Lightning in the first period.
“If we could have pushed the pace, we could have worn them down.” said head coach Doug Smith.
While both teams were evenly matched, the visitors seemed to get the lucky breaks they needed to win, he said.
“We had a little bit of a letdown and bad luck late in the second period when one of our players fell down after the face off and they scored,” said Smith.
“We looked a little rusty after the two-week break.”
“We had good chances to win score in the second period but we couldn’t bury it.”
Now the Lightning is looking to bounce back this weekend as the team drives to a strong second half of the season.
“Fortunately we go right back at it against the Colts in Didsbury this Saturday and we should know how to beat them in their barn,” said Smith.
“We’re hoping to make a big run to the playoffs and maybe this was our wake-up call we need.”
Sitting in third place in the North Division with 7 wins, 15 losses and one tie for 15 points, the Lightning visit Didsbury on Jan. 9 for the return match with the Colts who are third in the Central Division with 16 points.
Next at home, the Lightning return to Stettler on Jan. 16 to host the Okotoks Bisons, currently first in the South Division with 19 wins, 1 loss, 1 tie and 2 overtime or shoot-out losses.
Stettler will attempt to avenge a 5-2 loss to the Bisons in Okotoks on Nov. 15.
Red Deer sits in second place with 29 points while Stettler leads the Rimbey Rock with 10 points.