U14A’s ready for provincials challenge

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Ice U14A ringette team had a good attitude all season long, leading to tremendous on-ice success heading into Provincials in a week’s time.
Second-year head coach Randal Praeker said the team, which will host the event, has been setting goals in each tournament they’ve competed in, winning the Lacombe tournament earlier this season and earning a silver medal last month in Spruce Grove.
“It did change the complexion of the season,” said Praeker. “I think it was good because it took less goal setting from winning and losing and just more about playing as a team and making sure that we improve all the time.”
He added that there was great parity in the league this season, and he wants his team to be aware that the competition is fierce.
“We’ve changed a few things knowing how a few of the teams play,” said Praeker. “Some of the teams really pressure fore check. We have a couple of different breakouts in our repertoire and just working on little things like that.”
With every big game they’ve played this year, the coaching staff has taken the opportunity to talk about turning their adrenaline into energy.
Cochrane, Bow View, Spruce Grove and Lacombe are the confirmed teams competing in the tournament, and the others will be announced this weekend.
Provincials will take place from March 11-13 at the Strathmore Family Centre.