The Sundre novice Huskies went undefeated during a recent tournament in Olds to win gold.
"They were pretty excited,” said coach Dallas Rosevear about his triumphant team following an 8-2 victory in the final against Olds on Sunday, Feb. 4.
Not only did the squad emerge victorious against the host team, but the Huskies also handily swept all of their previous competition away. On Friday, Feb. 2, they won their first game, which was also against Olds, 5-3. On Saturday, the team won by large margins, defeating Cochrane 9-0 and later beating Sherwood Park 12-2.
"They played really well. A lot of kids that don’t usually score a lot stepped up, scored some goals and helped out,” said Rosevear, adding the players were treated to a pizza and swim party in Olds afterwards.
The Huskies’ defensive line really amped up their efforts and kept low the number of goals scored against the team throughout the tournament. All around, the novice squad played solidly throughout all of their four games, and the coach was confidently optimistic about their chances at playoffs in the Central Alberta Hockey League, provided they manage to maintain that momentum.
As of last week, there were only two league games left in the regular season — one of which was this Sunday at the Sundre Arena against Chestermere, who ended up winning 6-2.
"We came up a little short,” said Rosevear on Monday morning, adding that while he was disappointed in the outcome, he was proud of his team’s effort.
"The kids played hard and well. A few bounces didn’t go our way,” said the coach, adding that’s the way things sometimes pan out.
The Huskies had earlier this season once tied and once defeated Chestermere, which has developed this season and now sits in the league’s top spot, he said.
"Their goaltending has definitely improved.”
Sunday’s loss does not necessarily mean playoffs are now beyond the Huskies’ reach. What matters now, said Rosevear, is keeping focused on Saturday’s upcoming game in High River against Foothills. Also a factor that will determine whether the squad proceeds to playoffs is the outcome of a game between Strathmore and High Country.
"We still have an opportunity to make it.”
