REDVERS - The Redvers Rockets remain the class of Hockey Saskatchewan’s U18 D division.
The Rockets won their third straight provincial title in March after defeating Macklin in the modified best of three provincial final. Game 1 was a 4-4 tie and Redvers took Game 2 3-0.
Under the format, if each team wins once or if both games finished tied, then there is a 10-minute mini game to determine the series winner.
Manager Trevor Nord said the Rockets had excellent puck possession this season.
“They’re very good at back-checking, with very offensive forwards for on the attack,” said Nord.
The goaltending was strong in the final game against Macklin.
“Macklin was really good. They were probably one of the stronger teams that we played all year,” Nord said.
The Rockets had a good group of kids who wanted to win while having fun.
“Their hard work was evident right from the first time they stepped on the ice this year,” said Nord. “They knew what they had to do this year, and the coaching staff worked with them every game, every practice, to get them where they needed to be.”
Redvers opened provincials by defeating Langenburg 2-0 in the opening round, winning 5-3 and 6-1. The next round was their closest, as they needed the 10-minute mini-game to advance past Lanigan.
The Rockets lost Game 1 6-3, but recovered to take Game 2 9-5. Then they beat Lanigan 3-1 in the mini game.
In the semifinal round, Redvers beat Lafleche 7-3 and 4-2.
“Lots of people came out to support and watch the teams,” said Nord.
Redvers also won provincials in 2018 and 2019, the last two times a provincial championship was decided. But none of the players on this year’s team were playing U18 in 2019.
“I think it’s just a great hockey program that we run out of Redvers,” said Nord. “It keeps the kids involved, great coaches, great staffing. And as long as the kids have fun, they will go as far as they want to go,” said Nord.
The U18s had great players, coaches and parents who were on board with doing what was needed for Redvers to win.
The Rockets have nine kids who are finished their third season of U18 and have aged out of minor hockey. But they have nine players eligible to return next year, and they will be complemented by the players who are eligible to move up from the U15 level.
