Wheatland Wranglers U18 female hockey team finish fifth at provincial tournament

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland Wranglers U18 female hockey team placed fifth at the U18B Alberta Provincial Championship hosted in Strathmore March 20-23. 

Jaden Vanderlaan, head coach of the Wheatland Wranglers, explained in their first game of the tournament, the girls demolished their opponent, with a final score of 11-0 on Thursday night. 

Friday saw each participating team working through a skills comp, setting aside the competition for the day before resuming on Saturday. 

“We had two games – one in the morning versus Lakeland, we lost 7-2, and then we played Beaver Lodge in the evening and we tied them 3-3,” said Vanderlaan. “Unfortunately, it did not bring us into Sunday’s games, so we did not make the championship games, but it was fun for the girls.”

He added the tournament was an enjoyable experience for all those who participated and was good for the town to see so many people traveling in for the weekend. 

The Wheatland Wranglers had been defeated in the second round of their playoffs coming out of the regular RMFHL season, however being the host team for provincials gave them a bye into the tournament.

“The girls maintained a very positive mindset – they all worked together, they battled hard throughout the whole weekend and played some good hockey,” said Vanderlaan. “The girls are excited, they are upset – it is obviously not the outcome we wanted, but they are excited to get back on the ice and ready for next season.”

Vanderlaan added largely speaking, the big thing for his team to be working on as they prepare for the next season is their focus and their mentality. 

Among the 16 players currently on the roster, eight of them will be aging out of the league and will be moving on with their hockey careers. 

Recruitment for the next season has already begun for the Wranglers and is welcoming all new players who wish to come out and participate. The goal is to attract as many new players as possible to the team. 

Registration is scheduled to conclude as of June 30 for the U18 female Wheatland Wranglers team. 

“RMFHL has hockey camps in and around the Strathmore area, so all the kids can go the camps throughout the summer. Hockey Alberta also puts on some camps throughout the summer as well,” said Vanderlaan. 

More information about the team and potential participation is available through the Wheatland Wranglers website, as well as the RMFHL Facebook page.