While usually unattainable, perfection is something hockey teams relentlessly pursue.
The Airdrie-Cochrane (AC) Avalanche were on the cusp of a perfect January, until a rather imperfect third-period against the visiting Rockyview Raiders derailed their perfection plans.
The Avs started 2015 at 6-0 before dropping a 5-2 loss to visiting Raiders in Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League play Jan. 24 at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
“I think we had a good start. It started the game before Christmas and we were on a roll there playing well and kind of buying into how we wanted to play and having success with it,” said Avs coach Dave McCulloch, who shares coaching duties with brother Scott. “It was good to see the guys rewarded for that play.”
The Avs had a good start against the Okotoks-based Raiders, grinding out a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes on a pair of power-play goals from Brett Trentham. That would all change in the final frame as a rash of Avs penalties resulted in four Raiders power-play goals.
“We just have to realize why it happened and learn from it. Really, it was just the discipline side,” McCulloch observed. “If we eliminate that, this is a different game.”
The Avs coach is confident his players can regroup and improve down the stretch. There are nine more regular-season wins waiting if the Avs want them.
“The guys recognize that and can see it. We had some good lessons in the first half of the year and this is another one,” McCulloch surmised. “Even though, we are playing really good hockey we have to have the discipline side with it, or it’s going to limit your success.”
