Stettler Lightning played and lost two exhibition games last week, with head coach Doug Smith still keeping his hopes high for a successful season.
In an away game apparently marred by penalties, more than 15 for each team, the Lightning lost to Wetaskiwin 5-1 on Friday, Sept, 10 with the only goal for the local side coming from Orie Spearing.
Later on home ice, the Lightning hosted Three Hills Thrashers and lost 8-3 on Sunday, Sept. 12.
Doug Blacklock and Jake Schwarzenberger scored for the Lightning in the second period and Ryley O’Connor added one in the third.
Coach Smith said he was happy with performance of the new additions to the team.
“Younger players did quite well,” he said.
But he was stoic about the scores in the first two games.
“We don’t have to be world leaders right out of the chute, anyway,” said Smith.
“We have players playing all positions right now and it is just a matter of time until everybody gets used to each other. “