It was a weekend to remember inside the Strathmore Family Centre, as the Agra Risk Wheatland Kings battled hard on the ice and honoured a franchise legend off of it.
Friday night, the Kings hosted the South Division-leading Coaldale Copperheads, defeating them 4–3 in regulation to start what would become a special weekend for the number four. Emery Medicine Shield made his HJHL debut in that game, scoring his first career goal and delivering an outstanding performance that showed flashes of what’s expected to be a stellar junior career.
Saturday night was about more than hockey. Before taking on the High River Flyers, the organization proudly retired number 4 in honour of former captain Ryan Grasdahl. The emotional ceremony saw the Kings welcome back former captains Garrett Vander Ploeg and Chris Williams, both of whom helped make the moment truly memorable. Ryan’s wife, Hailey, joined the group at centre ice for the ceremonial puck drop as the banner was raised to the rafters.
When the puck dropped, the focus shifted back to the game. Medicine Shield stayed hot, scoring his second goal of the weekend in just his second career game. Three other Kings found the back of the net on Saturday, but despite a strong effort, the Flyers capitalized late — scoring twice in the final five minutes — to take a 6–4 victory. The win marked High River’s first over Strathmore since the 2023–24 season.
Looking ahead, the Kings aim to bounce back and get a little revenge as they travel to High River this Friday for a rematch. On Saturday, the team returns home to host the Cochrane Generals for Military Appreciation Night, honouring all active duty and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
