INNISFAIL - The midget female Olds Grizzlys - powered by a trio of Innisfailians -- are proving against prior expectations they rightfully belong at the very top of the league standings this season.
The Grizzlys went undefeated in the regular season this year, finishing with 15 wins, no losses and three ties. They had the least goals against with 19 and the most goals for with 97.
The Tier 2 team from Olds in the Rocky Mountain Female Hockey League includes three Innisfail players - Bradie Pillman, Camryn Fuller and Chloe Altenhofen, along with head coach Peter Pillman, who is also from Innisfail.
Team manager Kim Gall said it was quite a year for the team, as they were not expected to finish the regular season in top spot.
"Last year we didn't even make the playoffs. To go undefeated through this season is absolutely spectacular," said Gall, noting a few new players and several returnees from last year's team.
Players range in age from 15 to 18 she noted, adding there were key factors that helped propel the Grizzlys to the top this season.
"The girls have played as a team," she said, noting strong defence and goaltending. "Our goaltenders are sitting in first and second place within the division for goals against average."
The regular season finished at the end of February and playoffs began in early March.
The team received a bye to the semifinals and will face the Calgary Red in that series. Game 1 was March 12 in Olds.
"As long as the girls remain disciplined like we have played for most of the season, I honestly see us getting that banner," said Gall.
Pillman, Fuller and Altenhofen are three Innisfail players that have had an outstanding season and sit near the top of the league.
Gall noted the qualities their head coach brings to the team.
"He's a very fair coach and he has complete confidence. He's trained these girls that it doesn't matter who's on the ice at any time he knows that they can do the job," said Gall. "He's been a fantastic coach for these girls. They do respect him and they will give their 110 per cent because he's asked for it."
Gall said although they didn't make it to provincials this season, the girls have improved their game in playing higher ranked teams.
The midget female Olds Grizzlys are looking forward to working hard and clinching the team's first league championship.
"I think the main goal for us is that they need to continue to play their game and continue to stay disciplined," said Gall. "It's been a fantastic season and it would be fantastic to bring that banner home."
Kim Gall, team manager
"Last year we didn't even make the playoffs. To go undefeated through this season is absolutely spectacular."
