UNITY — The escalation of excitement leading up to the last game of the season being held at Unity’s Community Centre arena April 12 was unparalleled. However, the end result the West Central Wheat Kings were seeking was not meant to be as they were shut out 2-0 by the Regina Vics sending the SAAHL provincial title south.
A remarkable playoff run for the West Central Wheat Kings resulted in 10-game win streak, but the team was unable to overcome the Regina Vics in the final.
Twenty minutes before warmup even began the stands were nearly full and the crowd kept growing. Noisemakers of every kind were everywhere, however the opportunity to use them was limited.
There was no score in the first period making fans wonder if the game would be a repeat of game one where scoring all took place in the third period.
The Vics knocked in a single in the second, leaving a 1-0 score heading to the third and final period of this deciding game.
Fans did their work providing support and energy to the team, but the Vics scored a second goal and the Wheat Kings struggled to find the net. A 2-0 shut-out loss was the end result.
A spokesperson for the West Central Wheat Kings said, “The game didn’t go as good as we had hoped last night but we are so proud of this team. They played hard and gave the crowd some great entertainment.
“The boys went all the way. They couldn’t have possibly played another game. They were the eighth place team and made it to the provincial game.”
The team acknowledges appreciation to the town of Unity for keeping the rink open for their playoff run, and all the staff at the arena. As well they make special note of the crowds that were electric through the Wheat Kings playoff run.
“We are beyond proud of their accomplishments and can’t wait to see what their futures hold. Some of our boys played their last minor hockey game and we wish them all luck with their hockey careers. To the rest of the boys, good luck with the camps you are attending this spring and hope to see you all back at the rink in the fall for tryouts.”
This ends hockey season for Unity for another year, a more than two-week extension to what other seasons have offered.
