Copperheads 10th season comes to an end

According to the team, the beaten and battered Coaldale Copperheads, known as the “comeback kids,” were finally subdued in Game Six of the Best of Seven South Division Final this past Saturday night at the Snake Pit.
Playing 15 games in the last 29 days took a toll on the under-sized Copperheads, as various injuries claimed as many as seven regulars out of the line-up at any given time.
Goaltender Dillon Kelly had a fantastic play-off run, turning aside a barrage of shots in each of the last two series and was a key to the reverse sweep in the semi-finals with Okotoks, where the Copperheads came back in the seven game series — down three games to none.
A strong play-off performance from the team’s rookies’ points to a promising team next year, as many of the young players stepped up their game when given opportunity to fill roles for the injured veterans.
This past Saturday night’s sixth game at the Coaldale Arena was packed, and though getting down 3-0 early in the game, the Comeback Kids had gone ahead 5-4 with 10 minutes remaining. Cochrane ramped up their game the last 10 minutes, wanting to avoid a Game Seven. Two quick goals in the last six minutes of the game and an empty netter capped the division title with a 7-5 victory.
Coaldale native Matt Nadaeu scored two for the Snakes, while singles came off the sticks of Matt Karl, Ryan Swier and Tyler Anderson. Kelly turned aside 38 shots, while Coaldale replied with 25 on the Cochrane net-minder. The Copperheads were just two victories away from a South Division title and a berth in the provincial championships, as the HJHL will be sending two representatives this year.
The closing of the team’s 10th season will be celebrated with the annual year-end awards banquet Apr. 1 at the Coaldale Community Centre.
Tickets are $25 and are available to the public by e-mailing the team or calling 403-393-3129. The Copperheads’ 10-year commemorative black team jerseys will be available at the evening in an ongoing silent auction, as well as other items too numerous to mention.
If wishing to place bids in advance on the jerseys contact the team similar to the above mentioned. The evening of social activities will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. and a catered meal starting at 7 p.m. The Coaldale Copperheads send out a special thank you of appreciation to all continued fans, sponsors, arena user groups and staff, volunteers, players, coaching staff and the Town of Coaldale.
Great job Copperheads — the Sunny South News congratulates the team.

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