PENHOLD – Although the Central Alberta Amazons lost back to back games last weekend the team remains optimistic for success this season.
The all-female hockey team based in Penhold currently sits in third place in the Alberta Junior Female Hockey League (AJFHL) with a record of three wins and four losses.
“They’re starting to gel a little bit and are working together,” said Randy Burt, head coach “It’s going to take all five of them (on the ice) every shift. That’s one thing they’re committed to.”
He said the team needs some work on being consistent this season, but with a full effort they hope to repeat past success.
“We were in the finals the year before (last) and we expect to be there again,” said Burt. “That’s the goal for the year.”
Team captain Sarah Svenson said there are many new faces on the 23-woman roster of 21 skaters and two goalies this year. About five of them are returning veterans.
“I think we have a lot of young girls but they’re playing really well and filling a big role,” said Svenson, noting the team lost many veteran players after last season. “For many of them it’s their first year in the league. It’s pretty much a fresh new team so it’s really exciting to see how well we’re doing so early on in the season.”
The Amazons played the Calgary Titans in Penhold on Oct. 20 and lost a close 3-2 game in overtime. The following day the Amazons dropped another 3 - 2 overtime decision to the Calgary Jags.
“They are definitely a tough team to compete against. They’ve got a lot of fast (skaters) and they’re very physical,” said Svenson of the Titans.
“So far this season, it is pretty competitive.”
Svenson noted some of the skills her team brings this season.
“I think we have a lot of fast skaters on this team and we are not afraid to get in the corner and grind if we need to,” said Svenson.
“I think we’ve been doing pretty good killing off the penalties and when we do have the opportunity to go on the power play I think it’s going pretty well. We’re cycling the puck well and the girls are clicking now with their lines,” she added.
Scoring and defence are areas to improve, said Svenson.
“Our defence is very young this year. We lost a lot of our top D-men but we are fortunate to have a few (returning on defence) and the younger girls are really stepping up into their roles.”
The AJFHL regular season runs until the end of February with playoffs beginning in March.
