CANORA — After a near-perfect regular season with a first-place record of 14 wins, no losses and one tie, the U15 Highway 9 Predators were determined to carry that momentum into the playoffs. Team members showed the ability to come through when it matters most, and captured the Major Hockey League ‘A’ Banner Championship.
“Feels real good,” declared head coach Jordan Vogel proudly after the win.
The best-of-three first round series went the limit before the Predators prevailed against the Esterhazy Flyers
“Esterhazy finished fourth in the regular season,” said Vogel. “We lost the first game of the series to them, then won the second. Since the series was tied, a 10-minute mini game was held, and we won that to take the series.”
That tough series win set up the Predators in the ‘A’ banner final against the Indian Head Chiefs, who were third in the regular season standings. The Preds swept the best-of-three final series by scores of 6-3 and 3-2 to win the ‘A’ banner championship.
Game 1 hit the ice in Indian Head on March 19, and the Preds knew right from the start that they were in for a battle.
“The game was tied after second period,” recalled Vogel. “But we stuck to it and scored three goals in the third period, to come out with the win.”
Rhett Ludba of Canora led the way on offense with four goals. Other goal scorers were Wyatt Wolkowski and Cooper Kraynick of Canora, who also added an assist. Aryn Seerey led all playmakers with three assists. Other assists came from Cole Masley and Jace Vogel. The Preds were assessed seven minor penalties, with four going to the Chiefs. Riley Kuta picked up the win in goal.
Game 2 was played in Canora on March 27, and the Preds were intent on winning the game and the series without dealing with the stress of another mini game. The home team stuck to the game plan, and came away with a tight 3-2 victory and the series win in a game where the focus was much more on defence.
“It was more of a low scoring game than Game one,” reported Vogel. “We got two goals in the first, then their goalie played really well. But we played really well as a team.”
A goal in the first two minutes of the first period by Owen Friesen of Canora allowed the Preds to play with the lead for the majority of the game. Avery Franklin doubled the lead with an unassisted goal in the final minute of the period. Indian Head got on the scoreboard early in the second period, but Briel Beblow of Canora replied for the Preds less than a minute later on a shot from just inside the blue line. Contributing assists on the home team goals were: Ayden Lukey, Bracyn Konkel and Linden Roebuck of Buchanan. Penalty killers played an important role in the victory, holding Indian Head scoreless in seven power play opportunities. Cody Vangen of Canora was the winning goaltender.
The championship for the Predators comes in the first season for this newly-formed team. The communities of Preeceville and Canora came together to create the team, since neither town had enough players to fill a team roster on their own, and ended up victorious in the regular season and the playoffs.
“It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Vogel. “I’m so proud of our players, they were able to adapt to the style of game throughout the season, which seemed to change from game to game.”
Vogel was quick to point out that he received a great deal of help in running the Predators this past season. The trainers were Derek Ryczak and Trent Wolkowski of Canora. Serving as assistant coaches were: Jeff Sznerch and Adam Vangen of Canora, and Cary Franklin.
“The other coaches were accommodating and very good to work with. Everyone did their part,” concluded Vogel.
