SUNDRE – The U15 Huskies skated off the ice with their chins held high after placing third this past weekend during the team’s annual home tournament.
Including the hosts, there were six teams competing at the Sundre Arena from Dec. 9-11.
Head coach Dallas Rosevear said it was a “great weekend of hockey with all final games being very close.”
The Huskies’ first game on Friday was up against the Trails West Wolves, with both packs salivating for their first victory. But a slow start for Sundre in the first period ended up being their downfall, said Rosevear, adding the Wolves won the opening match 5-2.
However, the Huskies came back undaunted and with renewed vigour on Saturday, when they faced off against the Westlock Warriors. Sundre’s momentum was unstoppable and the team “had a fantastic game,” going on to win by a huge 10-2 spread to secure a spot in the B final against the Blindman Valley Broncos, who in turn succumbed against pressure from the Huskies.
“We had another great game, especially Tylan Mahan our goalie, holding the team in the last few minutes to secure the win,” he said, adding the hosts won the B final 7-5.
“Sundre played very well all weekend,” he said.
The Ponoka Stampeders won the A final 7-5 against the Wolves, while the Warriors defeated the Golden Rockets 5-3 to win the C final.
The teams were also challenged to bring donations for Sundre Santas, with the winning squad receiving a pizza party.
“The Golden Rockets went and purchased everything locally and ended up winning,” said Rosevear. “However, dinner plans had already been made so they donated the pizza party to Sundre Huskies.”
The coach expressed his appreciation not only for all of the sponsors but also the parents, coaches and visiting teams who contributed to ensuring another successful Huskies tournament.
With their annual home tournament behind them for another season, the Huskies now have their sights set on regular Central Alberta Hockey League play.
The Sundre team was as of Monday morning sitting in third place in their division with a 4-0-1 record.
“This team is really starting to sync and execute the plays which we are practising,” said Rosevear. “For such a young U15 team and a mix of player abilities, it is exciting to watch and I am looking forward to going deep into playoffs this year!”
