Coaldale Copperheads celebrate a goal against their rivals, the Cochrane Generals, on Oct. 22.
The Coaldale Copperheads are once again in a battle for first in the Heritage Junior Hockey League. (HJHL)
The team has only lost one game so far this year and currently sit tied with the Cochrane Generals at the top of the southern division.
Despite their success so far, coach Derek Wiest says the team can still improve on their game.
“We were lacking in the defensive zone, we are kind of running around. We want to clean that up a bit,” said Wiest.
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This is the third year with Wiest behind the bench as head coach. Two years ago they won their first HJHL championship.
The team has been a powerhouse in the south division ever since the current staff took over and so far this year that trend has continued.
Coaches and players say support from the fans and the community of Coaldale is also a big reason behind the success of the team for the past few years.
The 2016-17 season has gotten off to a good start and has given fans and the team a reason to be excited to see what the group can accomplish.
Team captain Ryan Swier hopes to see his team get better as the year goes on and return to the top of the league.
“There is obviously still more to work on, the little things are what win championships. To win the league is essentially our goal,” said Swier.
The squad hasn’t been to the final since 2015 when they beat Blackfalds in three straight games.
Last year they were ousted by Cochrane in the south division final.
The two teams are once again at the top of the standings this year, with Coaldale winning the first game against Cochrane.
Both the coaching staff and Copperheads players say they expect it to be a back and forth battle all year.
“I think they will be our big rival in the South, hopefully it’s us two in the south final again,” said goaltender Dillion Kelly.
There is still lots of season left but both teams look to be heavy playoff favourites as they each have plenty of experience in the post-season.
The Copperheads will be looking for retribution but first they get to play them in the regular season three more times.
After beating them 9-3 in their first match up, Coaldale will travel to play Cohrane on the road this Friday.
