Copperheads get off to a slow start as calendar turns to 2026

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Garrett Simmons
Sunny South News

The Coaldale Copperheads kicked off the New Year with a pair of tough losses as the calendar flipped to 2026.

Friday, Coaldale dropped a 4-1 decision to the Mountainview Colts, despite a solid first period where the Copperheads led 1-0.

Brinley Degenstein got Coaldale on the board with a goal assisted by Riley Preachuk and Drake Olineck.

But that was all the offence the Copperheads could muster, as Colts goaltender Kaden Toussaint turned aside 14 Coaldale shots in the second and 10 more in the third to shut the door.

The Colts scored three times in a pivotal second period, and added an empty netter in the third.

Everett Hauck made 37 saves in the game for Coadale to keep things close.

On Saturday, Coaldale’s offence was dry once again in a 3-2 loss to Sylvan Lake.

This time, it was a tough first period that put the Copperheads behind the eight ball, as Coaldale gave up three goals in the opening frame.

After a scoreless second, Ryan Holm scored to make it 3-1, on a goal assisted by Cohen Richardson and John Vanden Elzen.

Richardson then scored to make it 3-2, as Vanden Elzen and Trey Schofield drew the helpers.

Hauck made 41 saves for Coaldale, as Sylvan held a 44-23 advantage on the shot clock, thanks in part to seven power play opportunities. The

Copperheads had two chances with the man advantage.

This weekend, Coaldale will head to High River for a game on Friday.

The team will be in Strathmore on Saturday, as the Copperheads will play five straight road games to open 2026.