The Rocky Rams have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing three critical games during the Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 weekend.

During Friday’s home game against Cochrane Cannex Generals, Rocky chased the lead during the entire 60 stretch. A shorthanded marker from Cooper Lawrence tied the game 2-2 in the middle frame, but it would be the closest the Rams would get to the lead, as Cochrane skated away with a narrow 5-4 victory.

The team travelled to Didsbury on Saturday for a game against the Mountainview Colts. Despite an early one-goal lead, the Rams were defeated 5-2. Goalie Cole McLean stood tall turning away 44 Colts shots for a .917 save percentage.

Another close, but ultimately unsuccessful home match was in store Sunday. With a late third period goal from Dextin Dieterle-Reimer, the Rams overcame an early 3-0 deficit to come within one goal of tying the Red Deer Vipers in an afternoon nail biter. Final score 5-4 Red Deer.

With the losses, the Rams fall to 12-23-1 in the HJHL’s Northern Division, five points back of fifth place Three Hills.

The losses eliminate the Rams from playoffs contention. The fourth and fifth place teams in the HJHL’s Northern Division are set to kick off a best-of-three series February 10.

Still, head coach Wendall Mason says the team hopes to finish out the year strong.

“We’re looking to finish strong, especially for our 21-years-olds who can’t come back next year,” he says. “[To make sure] they have good memories over these next two games.”

Mason also expressed a desire to finish the season strong for the younger players as well, such as forward Cooper Lawrence who leads the HJHL in scoring among rookies.

The Rams will conclude the regular with season with a pair of road games this weekend. They’ll be in Airdrie Feb 7 for a game against the Airdrie Techmation Thunder.

The final game of the season will be played at the Murray & Piper Arena against the Carstar Okotoks Bisons.