The Innisfail Peewee C Palliser Flyers may be few in numbers but are mighty in determination and strength.
Those were the qualities that shone during the Innisfail Minor Hockey team's annual peewee C tournament on Jan. 23 and 24 at the Innisfail Arena.
“We had a loss to St. Albert, we tied Strathmore and we had a loss to Beiseker, but it was only by two goals,” said Nicole Pillman, team manager. “It was a good tournament. I've heard great feedback all week from team managers and parents from the other teams.”
Pillman said the goal of their annual tournament isn't about winning, but the 11- and 12-year-old players doing their best and having fun.
“Everybody commented how much fun they had and how relaxed the environment at the arena was for the weekend,” she said. “It was a very successful tournament.”
Despite some ups and downs and a few battles this season, all 13 players on the Innisfail Peewee C Palliser Flyers have proven themselves on the ice.
“They've come a long way. It's an eclectic group,” said Pillman. “We've got kids with all sorts and different ranges of skill and mindset,” she added, noting that while it is good to see the progress and development of the team's young peewee players, it is important to always keep one goal in mind.
“The biggest goal for us as parents is to make sure the kids are having fun,” she said. “Our coaching staff is amazing and they really make sure that the kids are learning and gaining their skill set, but they're also having fun while they do that.”
With the annual tournament now behind them, the team will focus on the remaining games in the regular season and the upcoming league playdowns that begin in February.
“February 19 will be the first week of (provincial) playdowns,” said Pillman, noting that they are hoping to face some good competition during the playdowns.
Although the team currently sits in the middle of the tier in rankings, it can be a difficult spot to be in.
“We're tier 8, the bottom tier in the Central Alberta Hockey League,” said Pillman. “Which can sometimes be tough but our kids are pretty resilient. It doesn't seem to faze them,” said Pillman. “They know how to work as a team.”
The final home game of the regular season for the Innisfail Peewee C Palliser Flyers is Feb. 12. Provincial playdowns begin on Feb. 19.
Nicole Pillman
"We're tier 8, the bottom tier in the Central Alberta Hockey League, which can sometimes be tough but our kids are pretty resilient. It doesn't seem to faze them."
