A four-game losing streak has dropped the Parkland Rangers to eighth place in the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League.

Parkland lost 6-0 at home to the Southwest Cougars, Dec. 3, then dropped an 8-2 decision to the Winnipeg Bruins, Saturday, in Winnipeg.

Connor Hoemsen had two goals and an assist to lead Southwest to their victory. Shane Elder also scored twice, with Spencer Cullen and Bryan Laing adding singles.

Micky Gross made 28 saves to record the shutout. Piet Mierau made 30 saves before giving way to Kyle Pelletier, who stopped all five shots he faced.

On Saturday, the Bruins scored six times in the first period en route to the win.

Lucas Boulanger had a goal and three assists, while Shea Rollason scored twice and added an assist and Tyler Free also had a pair of goals.

Kingston Gunn, Owen Murray and Aiden Jacobson had Winnipeg’s other goals, while Brayden Budolowski had both of Parkland’s goals.

Jackson Hoes picked up the win in goal with 37 saves.

Pelletier, who started for the Rangers, and Mierau combined to stop 19 shots.

Rangers head coach Tom White said the team didn’t come out ready to play.

“We didn’t execute. We couldn’t really catch a break. We had enough shots on net to score, but their goalie played well. We couldn’t get a bounce,” he said.

It was much the same against the Bruins.

“Our first period was the death of us. We were totally not ready to play. So, after a sharp discussion in the first intermission, it was like a different team came out in the second and third. I mean, we played well enough to win,” he said.

“It’s just these guys have to be ready to play every game. And it seems like they’re not focused when they come to the rink.”

Parkland’s record is now 12-12-0-0 for 24 points. They sit in eighth place, but are only three points out of fifth. And they are three up on the Winnipeg Thrashers.

The Rangers will look to get back into the win column when they visit the last place Yellowhead Chiefs in Shoal Lake, tonight at 8 p.m.

White sees the game against the Chiefs as an opportunity, even though he knows Yellowhead isn’t going to lie down for the Rangers.

“We’re going to have to be sharp, on our toes. We got back from Winnipeg that night and had another meeting in the dressing room and discussed a few things. So we’ll see how they react,” he said.

“There’s still lots of ground to make up. We’ve got a pretty favourable schedule for the rest of December and January will be a tough sled. But if we can get things turned around, we’ll be fine.”

Parkland then faces the Pembina Valley Hawks in a home-and-home on the weekend, beginning, Friday in Dauphin at 7:30 p.m., with the rematch in Morden at 8 p.m.