By WAYNE SHIELS
The Sask First program through Hockey Sask works to promote the development of quality players. A number of area players were recognized as being among the best of the best at recent camps held in Dalmeny, Southey and Aberdeen.
Area athletes are well represented on the Sask First Female U16 Top 68, including: Goaltenders Avery Brunen (Warman), Whitney Gaudreau (Martensville), Sydney Lundquist ( Clavet); Defence Kiersten Buniak (Rosthern), Reese Doig (Clavet), Surrie Pietersma (Osler) ; Forwards Brianne Cripps (Warman), Ellie Graham- Wuttunee (Martensville), Sloan Hanson (Warman), Layla Harms (Warman), Andie Jo Marshall (Martensville). Riley Merz (Warman), Ella Wagner (Martensville), Hannah Weseen (Warman).
Their tournament is set for April 4-6 in Regina. Up to 30 top performers will then be invited to a Summer Showcase Tournament in August.
Selected to the Top 80 Under 18 female were defence Reese Dyky (Warman); forwards Ayla Anderson (Warman), Sadie Green (Martensville), Zoey Krienke (Warman), Aidyn Konechny (Dalmeny), Jade Olszewski (RM of Dundurn).
The Top 80 tournament is April 11-13 in Balgonie where the Top 32 will be selected for Orientation Camp in June and Summer and Fall camps to finalize Team Saskatchewan to compete in the 2025 National Under-18 Championship.
Selected to the Top 160 Under 18 male were Martensville goaltenders Austin Adamus and Dane Konkin. Defence includes Jesse Bergman (Martensville), Hunter Jaeb (Martensville), Grayer Johannesson (Waldheim), Cooper Sawatzky (Hague), Kohen Oblander (Martensville), Lucas Schell (Martensville), Morgan Thompson (Warman). Forwards include Clark Goebel (Clavet), Ryder Hagel (Martensville), Tyler Hale (Martensville), Tyson Janzen (Martensville), Kade Kohavec (RM of Aberdeen), Parker Livingstone (Martensville), Sean Lavoie (Langham), Hudson Sawatzky (Hague), Brady Silvernagle (Warman).
The Top 160 tournament will take place in Regina April 11-13.