SASKATOON - The Estevan Sharks water polo club wrapped up their season this past weekend at the spring provincials event, hosted by Water Polo Sask and the Saskatoon Pirates Club.
The tournament featured two days of intense competition within five separate age categories. Teams and players from the Sharks, Regina Armada, Weyburn Hurricanes, Saskatoon Pirates and Winnipeg Vortex were entered.
Mason Yunick of the 12-and-under Sharks ranked third among all ages in scoring, with 21 goals in just five games. Mahlyn Bomberak, also of the 12U Sharks, played for the 15U Prairie team as well and she ranked first for all ages in scoring with an impressive 34 goals in 10 games.
Three other Sharks players played in two divisions, often playing back to back 45-minute games with no breaks.
Rachel Tober, the only 15U female in Estevan, played for the Prairie 15U and Armada Orange in the open women's category. Jennika Linthcum from the 12U team joined Bomberak and Tober on the 15U Prairie team. Shiven Sangar played on the 15U Saskatoon Pirates team as well as a Prairies team in the open men division.
The highlight for the club was in the 12U co-ed division where the team went undefeated the entire weekend, bringing home the gold and a trophy. Coached by Tenille Yunick, Kaylah Turner and Melissa Enns, this team scored 82 goals in five games, allowing just 38 goals against.
In addition to Bomberak and Yunick's high scoring, Carter Yunick added another 13 goals to the total. Rookie player Malcolm Sherling netted 10 goals and Willow Turner was very strong in net.
In the 15U boys division, four Sharks joined the Saskatoon Pirates team. They finished the weekend with a record of 1-4.
Three Sharks swam with players from Saskatoon and Weyburn to comprise the 15U girls Prairie team. This squad finished the weekend with a bronze medal around their necks.
Sharks’ senior coach Jason Dalziel led the open men Prairie team through an incredibly talented division with a record of 0-4-1. All games were very close matches. Leading the scoring for this team was Tristan Threinen and former Shark Ethan Elliott. Each scored nine goals in five games.
Just one Shark played in the open women's division. Rachel Tober joined former Sharks players Alex Andrist, Josie Andrist and Payton Donald on the Regina Armada Orange. Tober won a second bronze of the tournament. The team finished with a 2-3 mark.
The club has been swimming their final practices this week, and will return to the water in late September. They are hosting an awards night and wind up on April 10.
