INNISFAIL – Several Innisfail minor hockey teams earned their way to the provincial championships this season.
And two of them, the Atom A DQ Flyers and the Bantam A Fourlane Flyers, brought home silver medals.
The female Peewee Flyers also earned a spot at provincials after winning their respective zone championship, but did not make the playoff round last weekend.
The four-day tournament took place in different cities across the province from March 15 to 18.
“I think it’s pretty impressive. I think it goes to show what kind of talent we have here with these kids and our coaches as well,” said Stephen Bates, president of the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association and head coach of the Bantam A Flyers.
“I don’t think we’ve had three teams go to provincials (in recent years). It’s pretty special that three teams are able to go. It’s a tough road to get there,” he added.
He noted his team’s hard work and strong effort this season.
“They set a goal for making playoffs. They wanted to finish third overall in the league and they finished fourth,” said Bates. “They wanted to go to provincials this year and they reached that goal too.”
The peewee female team also had a great year, he noted.
“They’ve had a very successful season as well,” said Bates. “Any time you can reach provincials it’s a big thing.
“It’s something they should take pride in. Every team that’s going this year and every kid,” he added. “The coaches should all take pride in the fact that they were able to guide a team to a zone championship.”
The Atom A DQ Flyers made a return to provincials after coming home with a silver medal last year.
“We were fortunate enough to go to provincials last season. We lost in the semifinals but it was a good learning experience and a good opportunity for them,” said Ryan Dodd, head coach.
“They’ve really come together well going down the stretch.
“It’s something you talk about at the beginning of the season and you work towards that opportunity,” added Dodd. “You’re always wanting to play and win the final game of the season.”
