The Innisfail Flyers Bantam AA boys will be heading to provincials this weekend to compete for the second year in a row for the title of provincial champions.
Although most of the players on the team are different from last year, the returning veterans have played a big role in leading the team to a successful season, said Flyers head coach Brent Walker.
“Right at the start of the year (the boys) started coming together real quick and played good right off the start.”
The team had losses but showed up when they needed to especially against big competitors such as the Olds, he said.
This season the team medaled in a number of tournaments taking home the gold in Ponoka and silver in Lloydminster. They also competed in their home tournament, and a tournament in Olds.
The Flyers beat out Red Deer and Leduc in the first and second rounds of zone playoffs to get to provincials and have been preparing themselves for tough competition when they head to Camrose on March 17.
“We were so close to going to the gold medal game last year that we know how tough of a competition it is,” said Walker.
“Whoever is playing good and gets a few lucky bounces will win.”
In preparation, the coaches have been working on the mental side of the game with the players.
“We have really been working on having positive energy, positive focus, strong mental preparation and confidence in the dressing room,” said Walker.
Walker contributes a lot of the teams continued success from last year to this to the feeder program through Innisfail Minor Hockey.
“There is a strong Bantam A team and a strong Pee Wee program that is making good athletes at the lower levels as well,” said Walker.
The Flyers have played 46 games this year and are holding a record of 30 wins, 10 losses and six ties. They have been averaging over five goals a game and currently have the best goals against average in the league.
While they finished second overall in their league they are hoping to skate their way to first this weekend.
