Copperheads sweep weekend games

Coaldale Copperheads moved into a tie for first in the South Division in the Heritage Junior Hockey League after a 20 weekend.

The Copperheads picked up four points thanks to a 5-1 win over the Lomond Lakers Friday night in Claresholm and a 6-0 blanking of the High River Flyers Saturday night at the Coaldale Sportsplex.

The wins improve the Copperheads to 15-3-2 and into a tie for first place with the Okotoks Bisons, who have the same record.

In Claresholm Friday night, Jayden Smith, Tyler Anderson and Ty Abbott scored in the first period for Coaldale.

After a scoreless second period, Brandyn Howg and Riese Nevil scored in the third.

Smith and Abbott added two assists each, while Broc Merkl earned the win in goal, stopping 21 shots.

Back home Saturday for the team’s Favourite Jersey night, Coaldale only gave up seven shots that goaltender Nolan Berner stopped for the shutout.

Meanwhile, the Copperheads peppered the Flyers with 78 shots.

Jayden Bexte scored twice for Coaldale. Jason Creighton, Howg, Smith and Jared Bainbridge added one each.

Creighton and Bainbridge each posted an assist for two points.

The Copperheads have three games this weekend, two against the Lakers.

Coaldale returns to Claresholm Friday night before the completing the home-andhome series with Lomond Saturday at Coaldale Sportsplex at 8:30 p.m.

On Sunday afternoon, the Copperheads are in Strathmore to play the Wheatland Kings. Game time is 2 p.m.

The 21-1 Airdrie Thunder — whose lone loss came to the Copperheads — have the topseven scorers in the league, but the Copperheads have players eighth and ninth.

Anderson is eighth with 11 goals and 28 points in 20 games, while Abbott has six goals and 28 points in 20 games.

Berner’s goals-against average of 2.21 is third in the HJHL. His nine wins is tied for third in the league and his save percentage of .920 is fourth in the league.