The Rocky Rams wrapped up its season-opening five game home stand with two thrilling contests resulting in a win and a loss over the weekend.

In a back-and-forth tilt, the Rams clawed back from a two-goal deficit in the second period to defeat the visiting Ponoka Stampeders 7-5.

The winning effort was helped by a hat trick from forward Cooper Lawrence, as well as a first period marker from returning winger Reid Christiansen.

It was a tough night for Rocky starting goaltender Cole McLean as he was relieved from the net after five goals against in just over 27 minutes.

Relieving goaltender Lex Watson shut the door on just six Stampeders shots on goal in the final half of the game.

Speaking to 94.5 Rewind Radio News the previous week, head coach Wendall Mason says he expected a tough challenge from rivals the Sylvan Lake Wranglers, as he says the team looks good on paper.

The Wranglers didn’t disappoint.

Despite a pair of late first period markers that saw the Rams with a 2 goal lead late in the first, a barrage of offence from the Wranglers saw the lead evaporate through the final 40.

Goaltender Lex Watson stood strong fighting off an onslaught of Wranglers offence making 37 saves on 41 shots for a save percentage of 0.902.

The final score was 5-3 Sylvan Lake.

The 3-2 Rams will hit the road this week playing a rare mid-week game Wednesday Oct. 9 against the Three Hills Thrashers.

“We’re happy with where we’re going, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, we’ll just keep picking away at the pieces and it’ll all come together at the right time,” says Mason.

The Three Hills match will be the first of a five game road trip which will see the team visit Coaldale and Medicine Hat over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

The Rams will wrap up the trip against Red Deer and Mountainview at the end of October.