Local hockey teams hit the ice

Coaldale Copperheads
Last week, the Heritage Junior Hockey League ranked the Copperheads as the top team for the first time since Oct 4.
This past weekend was a test with two match-ups against the other two strong south teams.
Friday night, the team travelled to Cochrane holding a previous memory of beating the Generals 9-3. This time around it was a much tighter situation.
Following the first period with goals from Austin Holmes and Tyler Anderson for the Snakes, it was tied 2-2. With a five-minute lapse and unfortunate bad luck, the Generals stretched the game to 6-3 after the second.
It was the Copperheads all the third period scoring two more goals but ran out of time taking the final 6-5 loss. Matt Krusky and Calvin Swanson each with three points for the Snakes.
Saturday night, the team took charge, as they hosted the Okotoks Bisons beating them 4-1.
Brendon Benson, player of the game, had a stellar evening with two goals, as well as double goals from captain Ryan Swier — who was super consistent.
Following the weekend games, the Copperheads’ record is 12 (W) 2 (L) on the same pace as the Generals still for first place.
Next home game action is this coming Saturday at 8:30 p.m. with the Red Deer Vipers, third in the North Division.
Jimmy’s Mighty Knights, the Picture Butte Blades Initiation team, lost in a tough battle against the Taber Oil Kings over the weekend.
Jesse Klingenberg and Kale Okubo both scored three against the home team, while Jude Klingenberg scored one.
Jack Groenenboom, Matthew Van Zeggelaar, and Maddox Paskal defended the team in net.
The Blades’ next battle is Saturday at 10:10 a.m. on home ice against Raymond.
The Picture Butte Blades Novice #2 had a busy October, with five games. The team won three and lost two.
Everyone has been getting in on the action with, Issac Medina, Gavin Johnson, Walker Schooten, Jayden Quinn, Gracen Schooten, Colton Van Rootselaar, Pearce Medve, and Max Okubo all contributing goals.