The Parkland U18 Rangers had a very slow start to their season as they lost 10 of their first 12 games. Once the calendar flipped to November; however, the team turned things around.
While they have still lost six of their last eight games, the team is playing much better hockey. Four of those six losses have been by a single goal. Two of the losses have also come after regulation time.
Playing a very good Yellowhead team this past weekend, the Rangers earned three of a possible four points. They also picked up two points and nearly three against the Pembina Valley Hawks, who are in fourth place in the league right now at 13-4-2. The Rangers are now just five points back of a playoff spot.
Bo Eisner is the team's captain this year and he says the club is continuing to improve and show that they can compete with anyone.
"We're a young team and we showed that at the start of the year," said Eisner. "We're starting to mesh together and we're putting together some strong performances, it's great to see and be a part of."
This is Bo's third season with the U18 club. Last year he posted six goals and 30 points in the regular season and then he helped the team advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in more than 20 years. Eisner prides himself on his play in his defensive end and he is a workhorse as the 17-year-old has averaged more than 27 minutes a game of ice-time. Over the weekend in their split with Yellowhead, Bo scored twice and added three assists and thanks to his success, he's been named the CCM Player of the Week.
"It's a great honour, there are a ton of really good players in this league," said Eisner. "I think it's really a testament to how hard our entire team has been working, I couldn't do it without them and we have a great coaching staff."
Bo also says it's an honour to serve as the team's captain this year. Eisner is one of the Swan Valley Stampeders' top prospects and he will be back on the ice this Friday as Parkland welcomes Norman to Credit Union Place. The team then embarks on a two-game road trip as they're in Winnipeg to play the Thrashers on Saturday and Sunday.
