ESTEVAN - Talented young female hockey teams were in Estevan from March 25-27 for tournaments in the under-9 and under-11 divisions.
Seven teams were entered in the U11 age group. The Estevan Bearcats knocked off the Weyburn Gold Wings 1-0 in overtime in the bronze medal game. Bree Poelen had the winner with a minute to play in extra time.
In the gold medal contest, the Moose Jaw Mavericks defeated the Regina Rebels White 2-0.
In the U9 division, the Estevan Bearcats routed the Moose Jaw Green Warriors 7-3 in the bronze medal matchup.
The Regina Rebels defeated the Twin Cities Sabercats 5-4 in the gold medal matchup. The Sabercats have players from the Martensville and Warman areas.
Four teams competed in the U9 tournament. There were two games played at Affinity Place at once, thanks to the half-ice format employed by Hockey Saskatchewan in the U9 age group.
“The hockey was really good,” said Chris Hammett, a coach with the U9 team. “The U9 went really smooth.”
As for the U11s, it was very competitive.
Tournament organizers have received positive feedback from the teams outside of Estevan for the organization the quality facilities.
They hope this will be an annual tournament that can grow to eight teams in each division.
