Stettler Lightning continues the trend to win on the road and lose at home after a pair of games last week in the Heritage Junior B Hockey League.
After the Lightning was shocked 6-1 by Coaldale Copperheads at Stettler Recreation Centre on Dec. 4, Stettler tamed the Bisons in Okotoks 4-1 on Dec. 5.
Ty Griffith scored the lone goal as the Lightning in the home game.
Mitch Finkbiner scored three goals in Okotoks while Jake Schwarzenberger added one for the Lightning.
“We’re a real mystery,” said head coach Doug Smith, noting that the team has six wins, two losses and one tie on the road.
“We win on the road but seem to struggle at home.”
But it isn’t for a lack of effort.
“Against Coaldale at home, we didn’t get rewarded when we did good things,” said Smith.
“When we get on the road we simplify our game.”
While the Lightning players are working hard in all games, it seems the team can’t seem to pop the puck into the net.
“At home, we seem to want to get fancy,” said Smith.
Goaltending helps keep the Lightning in many games.
“Our goaltending has been solid,” said Smith.
Simon Thieleman was strong in net to help preserve the win for the Lightning in Okotoks, he said.
The Lightning were also on the top of their power play and penalty killing in Okotoks.
Stettler plays just three more games before the Christmas break with two games at home.
“We want to turn things around on home ice and hopefully put on a good show for our fans,” said Smith.
After visiting Blackfalds on Dec. 7, the Lightning host High River Flyers on Dec. 11 and the lowly Rimbey Rock on Dec. 18 at Stettler Recreation Centre both nights at 7:30 p.m.
Before last night, the Lightning were third the North Division of the league with eight wins, 10 losses and one overtime/shoot-out loss for 17 points, two points ahead of Ponoka Stampeders while Rimbey Rock are rock bottom with 0 points.
Red Deer Vipers lead the division with 29 points, followed by Blackfalds Wranglers with 25.