The thrill of competition filled the air as the Stonewall Blues U11 and U13 female hockey teams hosted an action-packed tournament Jan. 16–18, drawing 18 teams to Stonewall.
The Stonewall Blues U11A2 captured the Stonewall tournament title with a 2–1 win over the Winkler Flyers on Jan. 18. Pictured, from left, back row: Johnny Lazo (coach), Annika Marohn, Lance Marohn (coach), Kaleah Wutzke, Janey Gemmill, Callie Davis, Hannah Corrigal, Brian Davis (coach), Scarlett Campbell, Rowyn Findlay and Matt Wutzke (coach). Front row: Tenley Lazo, Livie Chatfield, Esmae Chartrand, Emilia Lazo, Brooke Vodden, Gracie Bergen, Devon Hueging and Reese Maxwell (goaltender)
The Stonewall Blues U11A3 defeated the Springfield Ice Hawks 2–0 to win the Stonewall tournament final on Jan. 18. Pictured from left, back row: Kevin Donovan (assistant coach), Jason Howardson (assistant coach), Chris Robinson (head coach), Megan Stratchan (assistant coach) and Jordan King (assistant coach). Middle row: Abigail Donovan, Brooklyn King, Nixon Sheasgreen, Alessandra Howardson, Ryleigh Elskamp, Lyla Woycheshen and Odea Hogg. Front row: Abigail Palumbo, Bayley Harrison, Harley Morrish, Ava Yurick, Natalie Peleshaty, Ellie Binder-Stratchan and Brinley Erickson. Goaltender: Danika Robinson
The Stonewall Blues U13A2 defeated the MacDonald Lightning 6–3 to claim bronze at the Stonewall tournament on Jan. 18. Pictured from left, back row: Justin Walld-Walton (coach), Scott Marohn (head coach), Paisley Erickson, Katie Marohn, Nora Rasmussen, Quinn Enstrom, Donni Hunt, Lucy Sigurdson, Eva Coutu, Shelby Rasmussen (coach) and Lisa Pizzi (coach). Front row: Brynn Lee, Peyton Marohn, Jorja Gervin, Olivia Tucker and Lily Fung. Goaltender: Bay Walton. Missing from the photo: Danica Klassen, Blair Cain and Elli Turcan
Among the standout performers were the Blues U11A2 team, who remained undefeated throughout the tournament. They captured gold with an exciting 2–1 victory over the Winkler Flyers in the final. In the semifinals, the Blues defeated the Winnipeg Stars 3–2, and in round-robin play posted wins over the Lake of the Woods Canucks (6–2) and the Winnipeg Rockets (4–0).
Not to be outdone, the Blues U11A3 squad also went unbeaten. Their gold medal came after a 2–0 victory over the Springfield Ice Hawks in the final. In the semifinals, they defeated The Pas Huskies 6–2, and in round-robin action earned wins over the Winnipeg Polar Bears (10–2) and the Winnipeg Rockets (8–3).
Meanwhile, the Blues U13A2 team battled hard to claim bronze, defeating the MacDonald Lightning 6–3. The team faced stiff competition throughout the weekend, falling 3–0 to the Winkler Flyers in the semifinals. In round-robin play, the Blues split their games, earning a 1–0 win over MacDonald before dropping their opener 7–0 to the Lake of the Woods Canucks.
On the afternoon of Jan. 17, the Interlake Sprites hosted a high-energy skills competition for U11 and U13 players. The Sprites were asked to run the event and developed the drills and rules for the competition, which was sponsored by Innovative Veterinary Services.
Participants showcased their abilities through skating races, hardest-shot and shot-accuracy challenges, stickhandling drills and a goalie challenge.
“The coaches of the Interlake Sprites inspired our young players, leaving them with drive, enhanced awareness, new skills and positive female empowerment,” tournament committee chair Stacey Gervin said. “The skills competition highlighted the hard work, talent and dedication our female players bring to the sport of hockey.”
Interlake Sprites Hockey aims to create a welcoming environment where young girls can explore hockey with confidence. Serving athletes from ages four to 13, the program focuses on skill development, teamwork and inclusivity while celebrating girls’ contributions to the sport.
The Interlake Sprites will be running a spring camp in March and April for U7–U13 players, rotating between Warren, Stonewall, Stony Mountain and Teulon. For more information, email interlakesprites@gmail.com.
