The bantam Huskies' coach was pleased by how quickly the squad recovered following the holidays.
"We played really well for just coming back after Christmas break," said Andrew Perry Monday morning during a phone interview with the Round Up.
The home team won the B final of its home tournament, held Jan. 6-8 at the Sundre arena. Seven visiting teams came to play ó Rocky Mountain House, Rockyford, Pembina, Wetaskiwin, Warner, Red Deer and Magrath.
The Huskies first played against Rocky Mountain House on Friday, Jan. 6 and faced an uphill battle with a final of 7-4 for the visitors, who went on to play in the A final, losing 4-3 against Magrath.
But the bantam boys got their legs under them after that initial loss, going on to win their next two games, the coach said. The second match was against Red Deer on Saturday, Jan. 7 and the Huskies dominated 9-2. The third game ó the B final ó was against Pembina, whom the home team was able to beat 9-7.
Perry said this has been his first season as head coach, and that it has gone well so far, largely thanks to a supportive network of other volunteers who help to facilitate his efforts.
The bantam boys placed in the Central Alberta Hockey League's tier 4, and have been enjoying a good season so far.
"We're a pretty quick team ó we're fast," he said. "We move the puck pretty well."
Coaching staff focuses the team during practices on looking for opportunities to make the first pass and to communicate well with one another. Additionally, a regular turnout of fans including parents, grandparents and friends bolsters the players' morale, he said.
"It's really helpful when you're on the ice."
