Excitement for the 2013 Senior AA/A Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials April 5-7 bubbled over March 22 as the Eagles board of directors announced details of the upcoming tournament.
A beef-on-a-bun luncheon held at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre included a performance by Danny Daines, a speech by national gold medalist Taryn Baumgardt and a shout-out to many a sponsor as the community learned what can be expected in the upcoming tournament.
“Things are coming together,” said Darin Doel, chairman of the provincial host committee. “The big hurdles are done.”
The Eagles will butt up against seven other top senior hockey league teams from across Alberta. The list of opponents includes the Daysland Northstars and Tofield Satellites (Battle River Hockey League), Spirit River Rangers (North Peace Hockey League), Devon Barons and Edson Ice (North Central Hockey League), Nanton Palominos and Lomond Lakers (Ranchland Hockey League).
Even the teams with less experience in the league will make for formidable foes, said Eagles board member Mike Bennett, noting the Devon Barons created quite a stir during their first year in the North Central Hockey League.
“They were an expansion team,” he said. “They actually won their league this year and the championship.”
Eagles head coach Brian Sutter said this year was a challenge, upgrading from a team that only managed one win last year to a provincial contender. The improvement required a complete paradigm shift, he said.
“Winning teams don't talk about winning,” he said. “They just do it. That's what our team's about.”
Having a good group of people supporting the efforts of the Eagles leading up to provincials is what has made the year so successful this far, Sutter added.
“We want to be around good people and raise a little hell while we're doing it,” he said in a speech to the crowd. “When the day's all said and done, if we don't get 'er done the sun's gonna come up tomorrow and we're gonna start again. And that's the way we look at it.”
Having all the right ingredients in play from volunteers to sponsors will be crucial for the Hockey Alberta provincials to be a win for the town, he said.
“You've got to win off the ice before you win on the ice – and we're just starting. We're going the right direction right now is all,” he said. “If you stay the same in life tomorrow as you are today you're already behind.”
Under-18 national team world champion Taryn Baumgardt, who will drop the puck to open provincials, took a moment to recognize Innisfail's community spirit and wished the Eagles well for their big games ahead.
“It's great to be back in Innisfail after my season in Warner,” she said. “It's always great to see friends and family again. The support here has been unreal and I'm sure that will continue into provincials for the Eagles.”
Danny Daines, who MCed the event, thanked Baumgardt for coming out to lend her voice to the Eagles rallying cry.
“Taryn, we're so proud of you again. I know your dad and mom so well. They've done a great job raising you,” he said. “When you drop that puck in Innisfail it's gonna be for real. I am so looking forward to that.”
Mayor Jim Romane said the support for the Eagles as they head into provincials extends far beyond the hockey rink.
“I know the community's very excited about what's happening with the Eagles,” he said. “The town is more than pleased to help out in any way that they can. So good luck. And maybe a little more luck than the rest of the teams. I'm sure it's going to be a great competition and we're looking forward to it.”
The Saturday evening cabaret featuring Denver Daines costs $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Provincial tickets cost $50 for a weekend pass and $20 for a day pass. Youth 14 and under and seniors 65 and over will pay $25 for a weekend pass and $10 for a day pass. Contact Darin at 403-302-9927 or [email protected] for additional information.
