Atom female Flyers are tourney champs

INNISFAIL - The Innisfail Atom Female Flyers were victorious in their annual home tournament after a well-fought final.

Innisfail downed the Okotoks Atom Gold 2-0 in their home tournament Dec. 17 and 18 at the Innisfail Twin Arena.

“We had eight female atom teams, mostly from (Central and) southern Alberta,” said Connie Holbein, team manager. “We had a red pool and a green pool and they made it to the green pool final.”

Teams from Calgary, Okotoks, Red Deer and Olds participated in the tournament, she noted.

“I think for our team this was a personal goal, to beat one of the teams in our league,” she said, noting they play in the Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League. “We've had lots of close games this year, but we've only pulled out one win, so this will be a success if we're able to keep our (1-0) lead.”

Indeed they did, taking the game 2-0 and the tournament title.

“We've been (somewhat) the underdog this season and this was a team (Okotoks) that normally beats us,” said Holbein during the final on Dec. 18. “The girls have really come a long way this year and they're doing very well. This is the first time we've been up against this team.”

There are some key areas the Flyers will continue to focus on this season.

“We have a lot of good skaters on our team. They've really come together in terms of passing the puck and carrying the puck,” she added.

In addition to winning the tournament, Holbein said the girls can be proud of their accomplishments and their level of play.

With the tournament win now behind them, they can go into the new year on a positive note.

“We have two away tournaments, which we're looking forward to in the new year. Then we have our league games, playoffs and provincials in February,” said Holbein, noting a small team with just 12 players this season.

“We've had some girls who really stepped up. They've come a long way,” said Holbein. “I can only see things getting better and better from here.”