Local players capture ringette gold

By Mario Prusina Times Editor

Four players from Strathmore on the Zone 2 U14AA Blazers ringette team have claimed the Western Canadian Ringette Championship.

Locklyn Hayes, Kaylee Lester, Hayden Paschal and Hayden Darago of Strathmore earned a gold medal when they represented Team Alberta at the Western Canadian Ringette Championships in Saskatoon from March 18–21.

According to Blaze head coach Tim Smith, it was a huge accomplishment for the team.

“They had a historic season with wins and now to be the best U14 Ringette team in Western Canada, I couldn’t have been happier for the girls,” said Smith. “Every team is desperate, every team has a lot of skill, so we were proud to be able to handle five different opponents from four provinces and come out on top.

“The girls handled it well. We had a bit of a slow start in our first game but built it and improved as the games intensified. This team had already won many tournaments and league championship, so they were prepared for the intensity of the games.”

The Blazers opened the tournament with a 6-0 win over the Saskatoon Saints on March 19, before winning a pair of games the following day, 13-0 over Team B.C. and a 6-5 win over the BVRA Angels.

After a dominating round robin, outscoring their opposition 25-5, the Blazers earned a 4-2 win over the Calgary Red in the semifinals on March 21.

“They were the only team who beat us this year back in November. We were down 2-1 and had to really dig deep to find a way back,” said Smith of the semifinal versus the Red. “Locklyn Hayes had a standout game with a hat trick in the second half. The game finished 4-2 but caused some nervous moments.”

After giving up the first goal in the gold medal game, the Blazers scored three straight goals to close out the first period, including a shorthanded goal by Darago with 32 seconds left in the frame.

The Blazers dominated the second period, outscoring the Blue 4-1 en route to 7-2 win to capture gold.

As the game was winding down, the girls stayed focused.

“It was stressful, but we stayed calm throughout,” said Smith. “We just worked shift to shift, minute to minute and never stopped until the buzzer.

“This team was special from Day 1. They had the record, the tournament wins, the league wins, but there are also the intangibles and character. A group of excellent athletes and great people. I am forever thankful that they let me be part of their story.  They truly are the best in the west.”