By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
The Warman U18B Lions had a storybook ending to their 2025-2026 season, rebounding after an initial loss to their opponents in the final playoff series to emerge as the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) league champions.
In an e-mail, U18 Warman Lions manager Erin Hoffman indicated the team had a great season prior to the playoffs, finishing with a record of 38 wins and four losses.
As well, they also earned four ‘A’ side championship titles at various tournaments throughout the year.
“(We had) an amazing group of young men who came together to create an amazing team and have a fantastic and successful season,” she said.
Hoffman said the playoffs were conducted in a double knock-out format, and the Lions won the first three playoff rounds against the Epic Aces, Wild Mustangs and Flyer Monsters.
Then came a setback: a 4-3 loss to the Renegade Kings on March 21, which dropped the Lions into the ‘B’ side.
The road back to the championship series meant having to defeat the Redwing Hurricanes, who had finished at the top of the standings at the end of the regular season.
Fortunately, the Lions downed the Hurricanes 6-4 on March 26, earning them a rematch with the Renegade Kings.
During the two-game series at Merlis Belsher Place, the Lions dethroned the Renegade Kings 5-4 on March 28 and 7-5 on March 31.
“Both games were intense. We had an amazing fan base that travelled to both games in support of our team,” noted Hoffman.
The Warman U18 Lions gather for a team photo after winning the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) league championship on March 31. In the back row from left to right are Assistant Coach Luke Beaulac, Emmett Beaulac, Carter Adrian, Lucas Ens, Griffin Valette, Easton Quiring, Seth Buhler, Bryten Ching, Ethen Coleman, Blake Rowan and Head Coach Allan Ching. In the middle row are Avery Duret, Lleyton Wiebe, Holden Torkelson, Jakob Hueser, Zack Hoffman, Caleb Lawrence, Kaleb Cameron and Alex Wirachowsky. Lying in front are Josh Burnett and Sevrin Vasani. (Photo submitted)