November 24, 2023

It was Black Friday alright, but it had nothing to do with Christmas shopping as Briercrest came out on the wrong end of a 2-0 result against their rivals from Red Deer- snapping their four-game winning streak in the process. "Our identity is outworking teams and we felt like we didn't do that," commented Briercrest's player of the game, Brandon Kelly. 

A lethargic start by both teams resulted in a choppy first period as there were more faceoffs than scoring chances. The Clippers traded powerplay opportunities with the Kings, but both Evan Fradette and Dominik Tmej were sharp in the net as they turned aside everything that came their way. 

Neither team was able to create any sustained pressure as play resumed in the second period, and the defensive chess match continued with few clean chances being yielded either way. A savvy play by the Kings off a faceoff win allowed their player of the game, Nolan Doell, to put a shot on the net which deflected off a defender and in to open the scoring. Red Deer nursed that narrow lead into the third period when everything changed. What had been a mild simmer of intensity turned into a raging boil after several hits, scrums, and even a fight rekindled memories of Briercrest's playoff sweep of the Kings two years ago. Several players were sent off, and the Clippers found themselves with a lengthy powerplay near the end of the game with dire need of just one goal to tie things up. Some dangerous chances from Campbell Ens, Reagan Poncelet, and Jacob Arsenault came close, but the Kings would add an empty net goal with seconds left to clinch the victory.

"It's a tough one for sure," reflected Jake Dale afterwards. "I don't think we put our best effort forward today."

The Clippers will be back at it tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 as they close out their weekend series against the Kings. Catch the game live or on ACACTV.