By KEVIN BERGER Local Journalism Initiative
The inaugural season of the Dalmeny Sabres senior women’s hockey team came to an abrupt end last weekend as they lost their best-of-three playoff series in two games to the Gull Lake Falcons.
The Sabres first faced off with Gull Lake at the Dalmeny Rink on Friday, February 27, where they were felled 3-0.
They then travelled to Gull Lake on Saturday, February 28. This was a much tighter match, with Dalmeny opening the scoring in the first period with a goal by Kaylee Drotar.
However, Gull Lake tied up the score with their own goal in the second and then took the lead in the third with a second goal. Ultimately, the Sabres’ playoff run ended in a 2-1 loss.
As indicated earlier, this was the senior women’s hockey team’s first season in the newly-created Saskatchewan Senior Women’s Hockey League, which featured a total of 10 teams.
In the first round of Steffes Cup playoffs, Dalmeny swept the Prince Albert Northern Ice in two straight games before battling the Bridge City Storm for the North Division championship.
The Sabres calmed the Storm 3-2 on February 13 and 4-3 on February 15, which put them into a cross-over series with Gull Lake from the South Division.
In an online social media post, the Sabres acknowledged that their season did not conclude the way they wanted, but it will nevertheless stand as a defining chapter in the team’s history.
“From the very beginning, the group faced its share of trials and tributions. Adversity tested us with injuries, setbacks and moments that could have easily defeated a lesser team,” the post states.
“Yet through resilience, accountability and an unwavering commitment to one another, this team responded in remarkable fashion.”
The social media post also goes on to thank all of the Sabres’ players, their families, and the fans, sponsors and community partners.
“This inaugural season laid the groundwork for something lasting. The standard has been set, not just in wins, but in perseverance, unity and pride.
“The season may be over, but our mission is not.
“We will build on this momentum. We will grow stronger. And we will return next year with even greater purpose.”