For a team that has become accustomed to winning, the experience the St. Albert Raiders felt after leaving Calgary with only one point in two games was foreign to the midget AAA north division leaders.
Although both games the Raiders (14-5-3) played were relatively close, tying the Royals (10-7-5) Friday 4-4 and a narrow 2-1 deficit at the hands of the Buffalos (11-8-3) Saturday, the coaching staff was hoping for a couple of more points to go their way in the trip down south.
“We started off slow. We weren’t sharp on the early power play and we just couldn’t capitalize when we had the early chance to. As the game wore on I think we outplayed both of our opponents,” said coach Geoff Giacobbo.
The slow starts in both games could be attributed to mental focus both before and after the match that plays an essential part in what composes a championship-calibre team.
“We need to be better prepared to play,” said Giacobbo. “Special teams are timely. In the first game we could have used a better PK and in the second game we had opportunities on the power play, towards the end of the game when it was 2-1, but didn’t cash in on one of those.”
The Raiders, currently tied with the Red Deer Rebels (14-5-3) and Calgary Flames (13-4-5) for top spot overall in the league with 31 points, will participate in the annual Mac’s tournament in Calgary during the Christmas break. Entering the top-tier tournament in elite mental and physical shape is essential, according to Giacobbo.
“We want to finish strong here before we go to the Mac and compete hard in the Mac and really use that Mac’s tournament as preparation for the playoffs.”
The Raiders and Red Deer clash Saturday at 2 p.m. at Akinsdale Arena.
“They’re a top team in the league and the big thing for us is to focus on playing our game,” said Giacobbo. “It means we’re going to pursue the puck hard and get pucks deep and play below the goal line and get pucks to the net.”
Sunday the Raiders visit the last-place Grande Prairie Storm (1-18-3) at 3 p.m.
The last game before the Mac’s tournament is Tuesday in Fort Saskatchewan against the Rangers (7-7-7) at 8 p.m.
The Raiders are 7-4-2 on the road and 7-1-1 at home.
