INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Atom B Servus Flyers showed off their skill and teamwork during their annual tournament at the Innsifail Arena.
The Atom B Tournament took place Jan. 21 and 22 and welcomed five other teams from around the province including those from Red Deer, Josephburg, Bow River and Black Diamond.
"We did very well. We played in the semifinal against Bow River and won that game," said Janine Gerrard, team manager. "We went into the finals and won the final game 8-7 against the Josephburg Flyers."
It was an exciting finish to the tournament.
"In the third period it was tied 6-6 and then we got a penalty for too many men on the ice," she said. "I think when we got the penalty, the boys got revved up and we scored two short-handed goals.
"I think they were so hyped. (Taking that penalty) gave them that little extra adrenalin boost," she added. "They put their all into it and scored short-handed goals to win."
The Atom B Servus Flyers are a Tier 4 (North Division) team in the Central Alberta Hockey League (CAHL). They are currently sitting in fourth place out of eight teams.
"We will be playing in the (CAHL) playoffs. Our season ends the middle to end of February and then we start playoffs," she said.
The annual tournament is always a fundraiser for the team but this year it was also targeted for the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
"Funds raised in the tournament go towards things for our team such as attending away tournaments and team gear," said Gerrard.
"We have a mother on our team who's been battling cancer. She is in her second battle," she added, noting the team wanted to show their support and raise funds for a cancer charity.
"She really preferred we did something that impacted locally. She wanted us to do a food bank drive," said Gerrard. A total of $280 and 391 pounds of food was raised for the food bank.
In addition, the players on both the home team and visiting teams used pink tape on their sticks as a sign of support for the family.
"We wanted the boys to learn about community. It's important for team members to support each other and show that support," said Gerrard. "When a player is struggling on a team it's up to the rest of the team to lift them up. Community is the same way."
Janine Gerrard, team manager
"They put their all into it and scored short-handed goals to win."
