The best of Saskatchewan and Alberta U13 AA hockey was on display on December 3-5 as the Martensville Marauders hosted their invitational tournament. Games were played in Martensville, Warman and Dalmeny.
Pool winners, Martensville and Tisdale squared off in the championship game played in Dalmeny on Sunday, December 5.
Tisdale defeated Olds Grizzlies 8-4, Saskatoon Storm Fury 7-1 and Edmonton KC Lancers 7-1 to take first in pool A.
The Marauders topped pool B with convincing wins over Lloydminster Blazers 16-4, Edmonton KC Columbians 19-2, and Calgary 10-4.
In the championship game the two teams battled hard and the game wasn’t decided until Martensville’s Dade Wotherspoon scored an empty net goal in the final minutes to seal the 12-9 victory for the Marauders.
Tisdale coach Tyrel Frisky was happy with how his squad competed.
“ I thought our boys played well. They have a real strong team and they capitalize on any mistakes you make, “said Frisky.
Each time Martensville would get up the north east squad would battle back. Frisky said, “ That is what I like about our team, we compete to the end.”
Martensville coach Hugh Hamilton had strong praise for Tisdale.
“They have a good team. They played us hard,”said Hamilton. “These types of games are good because it puts pressure on to push each other to get better. It was exciting.”
For the Marauders this was their fifth tournament win, having previously won tournaments in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Humboldt and Millet, Alberta.
The team made up of players from Martensville, Dalmeny, Dundurn and Kenaston continue their special undefeated season.
“They are excited to come to the rink,” said Hamilton.
While they have many talented players Hamilton credits their success to playing as a team.
“They are learning to play the game, not as individuals. If one guy is doing something and the other four aren’t, that’s when mistakes happen, “said Hamilton. “Our focus is how do we use that individual skill to expose the other team’s weakness. Work together to give them a spot to beat someone one on one and have a good shot on net.”
The Marauders return to league play on Wednesday, December 8 when they play the Saskatoon Thunder at Agriplace 2/West.
Their next home game is Friday, December 10 against the Saskatoon Express. Game time is 7:00 p.m.