Three points out of an AJHL South Division final playoff spot with six games remaining in their season isn’t where the Canmore Eagles want to be.
However, a January slide, compounded by a brutal powerplay and untimely injuries has the team playing for its life in the last two weeks of the season.
Canmore must catch seventh-place Drumheller, which has five games remaining – all of them at home. In order to accomplish that feat, the Eagles must accomplish something they haven’t done all season: win on the road.
That includes a Valentine’s Day showdown with the Dragons in Drumheller – a game that could conceivably make or break their playoff dreams.
Head coach Andrew Milne has tried mightily to keep a positive attitude during the team’s post-Christmas slide. While the games have been tighter, the results haven’t turned around. However, Milne is optimistic the Eagles can still sneak into the playoffs.
“We still have the opportunity to make the playoffs and we are fortunate that we get to play both the Dragons and the Canucks in the final week of the season,” said Milne. “These are the teams that we are trying to catch, so at least we have some control over our destiny.
“We’ve had some success against these teams this year, so making the playoffs is still a distinct possibility for us. Our team is relatively healthy for the stretch run and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.
“We’ve obviously had a very challenging year this season on a lot of fronts, but the mood is still very positive in the dressing room and we still have the opportunity to make a late season charge to the playoffs. Don’t count us out yet.”
The Eagles play top teams such as Grande Prairie and Brooks on the road, and are coming off two strong efforts over the weekend. Against Olds on Friday (Feb. 3), The Eagles fell behind early, but battled back for a 4-3 victory, led by Justin Krabben’s three assist effort. On Saturday, the Eagles battled hard, but a lack of powerplay pop cost them in the end. Brooks went two-for-five on the powerplay, whereas Canmore was zero for five,
“We played outstanding Friday night. Our guys responded with a great effort in a hard fought game. Saturday’s game summed up our season. We had plenty of chances and probably deserved a better fate,” Milne said.
The Eagles will get some help, as Jeremy Margeson will return to the lineup, while Simon Philp and Keegan Thompson are getting healthier. They could also have sharpshooter Brayden Point in the lineup, and expect Hayden Dawes, who was acquired for Riley Reinbolt, to join the team.
