Watch above: For the first time ever, the Saskatoon Stars will play for a national title. Jack Haskins looks at what is driving the Stars success.
SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Stars are on the cusp of winning the triple crown of girls hockey. In January the Stars won the prestigious Mac’s Tournament in Calgary. In March, they won their first ever provincial title.
Now the squad has set its sights on a national championship at the Esso Cup.
“The anticipation keeps building and building,” says third year forward Brittany Heuchert. “It’s almost like waiting for Christmas.”
The Stars enter the Esso Cup as the youngest team in the tournament. Saskatoon’s roster is built up of 10 players that are 15-years-old or younger. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as some of the Stars young guns are their best players.
However, Stars head coach Greg Slobodzian is quick to point out that his five graduating players act as the glue that holds his team together.
“We wouldn’t have had the success that we’ve had if it wasn’t for the vets in the room,” said Slobodzian. “The rookies felt like they were just part of the team completely, and it wasn’t from the coaches, that was completely by the vets.”
The Stars have something special going for them this season. Through 37 regular season and playoff games, Saskatoon has only lost three times. But now they are venturing into unknown territory.
Watch below: The Saskatoon Stars female midget AAA hockey team is hoping to wrap up a successful season as they head to Red Deer, Alta. for the Esso Cup.
At the Esso Cup, they’ll be up against some of the best midget AAA hockey teams from across Canada.
No matter what happens at the Esso Cup, the future looks bright for the Stars. The team should have a great crop of returning players for next season. But for five of the team’s veterans, this is their first, and last, shot at national glory.
“It would be a dream come true,” said Stars captain Paige Michalenko, “especially because this year we won the Mac’s tournament too, so it would just be a really good way to end my minor hockey career.”
The Saskatoon Stars will hit the road for Red Deer on April 18, and will kick off the Esso Cup on April 19 against the Sudbury Lady Wolves.
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