By WAYNE SHIELS
Sask First’s Under-18 talent was in the spotlight last weekend
Hockey Sask’s High-Performance Program’s Female Top 80 (Balgonie) and Male Top 160 (Regina) tournaments took place April 11–13, giving players a key chance to develop, compete and impress.
Several area athletes were on the ice at the female tournament held in Balgonie. They were among the top 80 players who had been selected at the February Provincial Camp in Southey to participate in this prestigious Sask First Tournament.
The event serves as a critical step in the provincial team selection process, with up to 30 players chosen to attend the subsequent summer and fall camps designed to finalize the Team Saskatchewan roster which competes in prestigious Western Canadian and national competitions.
Players hit the ice at the Balgonie Stardome on Friday, April 11, starting with team practices leading up to highly competitive round-robin play, with games running throughout the weekend and culminating in the A and B Finals on Sunday, April 13.
“For female players, this tournament is more than just a competition – it’s an opportunity to prove themselves on a bigger stage,” said Joel Houseman, Director of Operations for Sask First. “It plays a pivotal role in selecting athletes for Team Saskatchewan as we prepare for the 2025 U18 Women’s National Championship.”
Saskatoon Stars forward Ayla Anderson (Warman) was on Team Green.
Saskatoon Stars Reese Dyky (Warman) was on defense for Team Black. She was joined by Battlefords Sharks forward Aidyn Konechny (Dalmeny).
Team Gold forwards included Saskatoon Stars Sadie Green (Martensville) and Prince Albert Bears Zoey Krienke (Warman).
Weyburn Goldwings forward Jade Olszewski (RM of Dundurn) was on Team Red.
U of S Huskies Head Coach Steve Kook met with the female athletes to share his experience and provide guidance on the USports path, offering valuable insight into the university game.
The male hockey players’ talents were on display as they were divided into eight teams for a weekend of intense competition in Regina.
The exciting round-robin games kicked off on Friday, April 11. The event wrapped up with A, B, C, and D Finals on April 13.
A total of 25 players from our area were among the competitors.
Team Grey: goaltender Dane Konlin (Martensville), defence Jesse Bergman (Martensville), Ben Dust (Martensville), Seth Holtvogt (Humboldt), Sean Lavoie (Langham).
Team White: goaltender Austin Adamus (Martensville); defence Lucas Schell (Martensville); forwards Corban Friesen (Drake), Kade Kahovec (RM of Aberdeen), Hudson Sawatzky (Hague), Brady Silvernagle (Warman).
Team Red: defence Hunter Jaeb (Martensville), Grayer Johannesson (Waldheim), Kohen Oblander (Martensville), Cooper Sawatzky (Hague), Morgan Thompson (Warman); Tyler Hale (Martensville), Tyson Janzen (Martensville), Kohen Pierce (Clavet).
Team Navy: defense Ethan Perillat (Perdue); forwards Jax Brabant (Dalmeny), Clark Goebel (Clavet), Ryder Hagel (Martensville), Cruz Harrison (Martensville), Parker Livingstone (Martensville).
This program is open to any age-eligible player not currently playing U18 AAA or Junior hockey. It is designed to recognize the talent and abilities of players competing below the AAA level and to encourage continued participation in hockey at the U18 age category and beyond.
The Sask First U18 Program offers an excellent opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of scouts from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), the Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL) and other junior leagues.
Many players have seized this opportunity to further their hockey careers, including notable alumni such as former NHler Tyler Bozak.
SJHL Commissioner Kyle McIntyre spoke with the male athletes about the opportunities and expectations within Junior A hockey – helping them better understand what it takes to play in the league.