The Parkland Rangers played some of their best hockey of the young Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League season, but the wins are still proving to be elusive.
Parkland lost, 4-1, to the Winnipeg Bruins, Friday, before getting swept in a doubleheader with the Interlake Lightning, 6-3, Saturday night, and 6-2, Sunday afternoon.
This came on the heels of a pair of losses to the Pembina Valley Hawks, 7-2, Oct. 3, and 9-1, Oct. 4.
All games were in Dauphin.
Rangers head coach Landon Russell felt the team’s compete level was better on the weekend, adding it was the best its been all year against the Bruins.
“It put faith in the group. That group showed what they can do. They can win on any night if they want to work. And that’s the thing. There’s still going to be mistakes in a hockey game. We, obviously, have got to clean those up, but for a majority of the weekend, I was happy with our compete level and how we actually came out and worked for a majority of the game,” he said.
In a sign of things to hopefully come, the offence got on the scoreboard, with six different players hitting the scoresheet.
“The offence is there. It’s good to see guys get their scoring back. Obviously, it’s going to come. We’re still waiting on a couple guys to break out. But it’s going to happen. It’s still early,” Russell said.
Even if the results weren’t there this weekend, Russell feels the effort will give the team confidence going forward.
“In the eyes of the coaching staff, it puts a lot of belief. The results weren’t there, but the process is getting better. We’re focused on the process. The results will come after that,” he said.
“I hope the group takes it as we’re taking that next step. We’re still climbing the mountain. It’s still early.”
While the Rangers got tougher in the corners of the defensive zone, there are still areas the team has to work on.
“It’s a big change going against bigger, faster, stronger guys. But our guys are capable of it. I thought when we were really effective in the D zone, we were winning our stick battles. We were winning races. That’s just what it takes. It’s every shift, every night. That’s how it’s going to have to be,” Russell said.
Parkland’s nine-game home stand comes to an end next weekend when the Rangers host the only other winless team, the Kenora Thistles, Friday and Saturday, at 7:30 p.m., both nights.
Saturday’s game is the annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night, with all proceeds going to Parkland hospital cancer wards.
There will be a $10,000 shoot to score, as well as three large raffle prize packages and a 50-50.
“It will be a great weekend for us. It’s going to be a good test, but it’s a test that we’re able to step up and be ready for,” Russell said.
“Obviously, it’s a big night with the Hockey Fights Cancer Night. It’s going to be loud in the rink and hopefully, it will get this bench going.”