Strathmore hosts inaugural U11AA hockey provincial tournament

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland Hawks hosted the U11AA Alberta Provincial Championship at the Strathmore Family Centre from March 27-30.

As the host team, the Hawks welcomed seven of the top squads in the province to compete in the inaugural U11AA provincial tourney.

“The event as a whole went down really well – it was some really good hockey for our team personally. We definitely struggled, but we were hosting so … we kind of go in as an underdog,” said Russell Koester, coach of the U11AA Wheatland Hawks. “We ended up finishing third in our division, made it through the first round of playoffs and lost out the second round to the second place team. It was kind of an up and down year for sure, but lots of improvement from Day 1 to where it ended.”

Over the course of the provincial tournament, participating teams participated in a round robin format to determine which teams would play off for the overall championship on March 30.

The eight-team tournament was divided into two four team pools. The top two teams from each pool would play for the title. 

Koester explained the Wheatland Hawks were defeated in all three of their round robin games and did not advance to the semifinals. 

“The boys were definitely disappointed with the scores, but it was a great experience for them all and it was the first time the U11AA has ever had provincials,” said Koester. “For them to be a part of that …  and to actually be host too, there were a lot of events going on, and they had a fun weekend which was the bottom line overall.”

Koester explained this was an inaugural season for U11AA hockey through Hockey Alberta. In previous years, it was considered a development program. This time around, it was established as an official league. 

Setting up to be the host municipality for the provincial tournament, Koester added, took months of work in advance to coordinate, including finding volunteers and sponsors to support the endeavor. 

A bid package was assembled and sent off to Hockey Alberta to be reviewed in order to be considered for hosting the tournament. Strathmore was awarded the successful bid in December, which became the cue to begin planning the tournament.

For the boys who participated on the Wheatland Hawks U11AA team, half of them will be moving up next year to play U13 hockey.

Additionally, AAA hockey is another category available to players which may see players switching into it.

“There is really no planning ahead for next season with minor hockey and stuff,” said Koester. “You will get a few of the same players if you end up coaching again, but even that is not a guarantee either.”