The Olds Stingers split a pair of games over the weekend in Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League play, losing on Sunday afternoon 5-4 on a late penalty shot goal against with 37 seconds left in the game against the Calgary Wranglers. On Saturday, the Stingers beat the Crowsnest Pass Ravens 6-3.
Bryce Sweetman got two goals for the Stingers in Sunday's game against the Wranglers. Other Stinger goals came from Anthony Gwilliams and Colby Freeborn. The Stingers led the game 4-3 going into the third period.
“The ending was a little bit rough to have, but for the most part, they did play a good game. They lost a little focus which cost them a point or two,” said Michael Bouma, the Stingers coach, following the game. “It was a very close game that could have gone either way.”
The game featured several altercations, including one in which a Wranglers player was injured which drew a crowd following a whistle. Another altercation ensued after the Wranglers scored the game-winning goal in which Alex Bukacel and Stingers goaltender Keifer Olson got into a tousle, which then drew players from both sides.
A total of 72 minutes in penalties were called between both sides, including 15 minutes called on the Stingers with 37 seconds left in the game leading to the penalty shot against. Dillan Ferster of the Wranglers was also assessed a gross misconduct for his part in that altercation.
On Saturday, Bouma said the team played with much better focus and was able to come out with the victory.
“It was a much better-focused game,” he said.
The two teams were tied after one period on goals by Connor O'Neill for the Stingers and Vance Bohmer. The Stingers then took a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes on a pair of goals by Shea Layden and one by Laine Foshaug, while Daniel McLain and Brett Tarusy replied for the Ravens. Nick Rutley added a pair in the third period for the Stingers.
"The ending was a little bit rough to have, but for the most part, they did play a good game."Michael Bouma, head coach, Olds Stingers
