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Two Hills County Hockey Players Contribute to Provincial Championship Title
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Two Hills County hockey players Ava Machney, Raeanna Krahn and Hailey Axley helped contribute to the U18 female Tier 1 provincial championship as members of the St. Paul Canadiens’ team that clinched the title on March 24.
It was the pinnacle of their season. Emotions and adrenaline were running high throughout the tournament. They remained undefeated heading into the championship match against the Sherwood Park Fuzion and won by a score of 3-1 to claim the championship.
Following the victory, Head Coach Cody Machney said, “All I can say, it was an honour to coach this group of girls. We knew we play our best hockey when we’re uplifting and having fun, and the girls took that to a whole new level.
I’ve never seen anything like it. The bench was electric, dressing room even more, we found victories in the little things, recognized each girl contributes in their own way and it all matters. Coaches too, we all brought something to the team that completed the picture. I’m so proud to say I was able to be a part of that.”
Assistant Coach Armand Boucher remarked that, “It was an unbelievable season thanks to the dedication and belief this team head in themselves and their teammates! Thank you for a great season ladies and the team staff.”
It was less than two weeks before Provincials that the St. Paul Canadiens’ won the East Central Alberta Female Hockey League (ECAFHL) championship. Ava, Raeanna and Hailey said the season was a lot of fun and everyone on the team got on well together, with a high level of respect, support and encouragement for each another. That created an amazing dynamic on the team and they now have many memorable moments to cherish with their hockey family and extended families as a result.
Mannville Hosts U13 Tier 1 Provincial Championships
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Volunteers with Mannville Minor Hockey (MHH) were kept very busy volunteering their time and talents as they hosted the U13 Tier 1 Alberta Provincial Championships from March 21-24.
Preparations began soon after learning their bid to host the event was successful on Dec. 1. Planning involved many different aspects from creating apparel for teams to order, scheduling shifts both on and off the ice, gathering sponsors, booking hotel rooms for teams, meal planning, communicating with managers, designing a website outlying tournament events, etc.
All MMH families were involved in volunteering as well as many community members who offered to help and the staff from ATB.
Organizers say it was an amazing weekend with lots of great memories and lots of great hockey to watch. They made many new connections with people from other communities and went above and beyond to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The Provincial Championship are also a great opportunities to host larger hockey associations. Coaches said strong, dedicated and talented players made each team unique and made for some exciting match ups during the four day event.
Members of the Mannville Hawks played strong in all three games they played. Other participating teams included: La Crete Lumberjacks, Lloydminster Blazers, Medicine Hat Hounds, Red Deer Motors Chiefs, St. Albert Kodiaks, Strathcona Warriors and Trails West Wolves from Calgary. The Chiefs met the Hounds in the final and won by a score of 4-2.
