DIDSBURY - The Mountainview Colts had a strong week as they knocked off the top teams in both the north and south divisions during recent home games.
On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Colts struck the north leading Airdrie Thunder 5-1 behind two goals and an assist from defenceman Spencer Dowd.
Two days later the team doubled up the north leading Okotoks Bisons 6-3 led by a goal and two assists from captain and leading scorer Colton Anderson.
Head coach Michael Galye said the team is showing great improvement a month into the season.
"I thought the boys played really good," said Galye. "We implemented our systems well. We played well on our forecheck. Our D (defensive) zone coverage was good.
"Those are some of the things we've been working on, especially in our zone - playing good defensive hockey against the top teams. Being a young team we have to play defensive. We have to be willing to block shots."
Galye said the Colts have a much different team than last year.
"Last year was more of an open, run and gun team with the horsepower up front," he said. "This year it's a little bit different - we have to retool how we approach each game. Especially up front, if we try to open up against the top teams they'll probably make us pay.
"So we're playing really tight in our defensive zone, establishing a good forecheck system, winning more one-on-one battles, lots of the little, simple things that are working well for us now."
Galye said the team has been pretty well rounded with different players stepping up each night. He added that the returning players are stepping into bigger roles this season, while the newcomers adjust to the league.
"Josh Gette for example, has really stepped up this year," he said. "Colton Anderson being the captain has taken a big leadership role with the team. It's his first year as a full-on captain. He's done really well. I'm really impressed with his leadership as he mentors the young players."
The Colts are currently in third place in the north division of the Heritage League with an 11-win, 7-loss, one-overtime loss record for 15 points.
Anderson leads the squad with seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 11 games. Gette is second in team scoring with 19 points, while Quintin Thorburn and Alan Klinck are tied for third with 11 points each.
Mountainview heads on the road next weekend for games in Stettler Friday and Blackfalds Saturday.
