It was a tall order for the Rocky Rams as the team faced off against the Heritage Junior Hockey League’s top two teams — Red Deer Vipers and Sylvan Lake Wranglers.

The HJHL-leading Wranglers doubled up on the Rams 6-3 on Jan. 16 in Sylvan Lake. The Wranglers came out strong scoring three times — including two power play markers — in the first 10 minutes of the game.

With the win, the Wranglers maintain their lead in the HJHL’s North Division standings with a 24-6-3 record.

The Rams returned home on Jan. 17 to face the second-place Red Deer Vipers. Despite the Rams jumping out to a first period lead on a goal from Cooper Lawrence, the Vipers stormed back in the second by scoring three unanswered goals, including a shorthanded marker from Mason Hammerback.

The Rams are 2-2 against the Vipers this season. The Rams were victorious against Red Deer Dec. 12 in Rocky, and also beat the Vipers in a thrilling 5-4 shootout win Nov. 15 at the Servus Arena.

Following the weekend losses, the Rams fall to 10-21-1 on the season.

Rams are 2-8-0 in their last 10 outings, and will face the Airdrie Thunder on the road Jan. 23.