The Lac La Biche Bantam Rangers were on an eight-game winning streak going into last weekend, and after a slow start to the season, they have a solid grasp on third place in the league, with just three games left to play in the regular season.
Coach Jeff Dechaine attributes the team’s recent success to team play, hard work, and balanced play, as well as some great goaltending. The boys lost their first two games of the season, but after juggling some lines, the coach found a combination that worked. And it helped that the team has been pushing themselves to do better.
“The boy’s hard work and determination turned the team around,” said the coach, adding the team is committed, and plays hard in practices.
The team is focusing on league play, and isn’t too worried about provincials, so last week’s loss to Boyle doesn’t really bother the coach. He, and the team, have another goal they’re aiming for.
“We’re committed to hanging one of the first banners in the new building,” he said, referring to the Bold Center arenas.
But to do that they have to win a couple of games that will test their skill and commitment, as they face the top two teams in the league in coming weeks.
The Lloydminster team, currently in top spot, previously beat the Rangers 7-3, but Dechaine said his team has what it takes to beat their southern rivals.
They also have a good chance against Bonnyville, a team they’ve tied twice, and will now look to beat as they attempt to skate to their goal of claiming the league champion banner to hang from the rafters of the Bold Center.
