Stettler Storm went home with a gold medal win at Provincials which were hosted by Rimbey Nordstrom Dental Midgets.
Provincials were held March 22 to 25 at the Vern Pothenroth Memorial Arena. Stettler defeated Elk Point 9-4 to win gold.
Amid enthusiastic fan support Rimbey Renegades started out well at the tournament defeating Vulcan Hawks 11 - 1 Thursday and La Crete Lumberjacks 7-1 in their first two games. Friday. Hudson Scott was named player of the game.
With one win under their belt, the excitement was high at the Vern Poffenroth Arena in Rimbey as the enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch the second game of the Provincials hosted by Norstrom Dental Midget Renegades.
Proving they were, indeed, on fire the Renegades did not disappoint fans, and ended the game with a 7-1 victory against La Crete despite having only 30 shots on goal compared to 32 for LaCrete. Hudson Scott was named player of the game.
Goal scorers in game two were Hudson Scott with a hat trick and Odin Obray put two behind the goalie. Haydon Motowylo and Ethan Motowylo both scored singles.
On Saturday, Rimbey suffered their first devastating loss, losing 4-1 Westlock Warriors.
Goalie Wyatt Argent was named player of the game.
Despite hopes for a comeback Sunday, things did not go well for the Rimbey Nordstom Dental Midgets.
Despite great team effort, Rimbey lost in the semi-finals to Stettler storm 5-2.
The game was played at 10.30, Sunday, March 25 andRimbey had 30 shots on goal and Stettler had 36.
Rimbeys’ goals were scored by #5 Ethan Coston and #18 Ethan Motowylo and
#9 Hayden Motowylo was named player of the game.
Coach Corey Scott said it was a great tournament and his team did well.
“The boys competed hard. We always hope to win, but it was very competitive an we just came up a couple of point short.”
Scott, who has 17 years of coaching behind him, said he will not return to coaching next year.
He is pleased to note that during his years of coaching, the midget team his son Cody played on received two golds in provincials, his son Brett’s peewee team won a silver and his son Hudson won gold with peewees.
Despite losing out in the semi-finals, Rimbey is, no doubt, proud of the Midgets and competing in Provincials is certainly something the players should be proud of themselves.
Coleten Beagle, demonstrated the pride of a true fan as he carried the Rimbey flag throughout the tournament and regardless of the wins and losses he just kept smiling.
The opening ceremonies for the Provincials were held Friday.
Rimbey Mayor Rick Pankiwwas the master of ceremonies for the ceremonies, and Brian Sutter, a former NHL player and coach was the keynote speaker.
During the ceremonies Kevin Jesne introduced Pankiw who then introduced dignitaries, Rimbey Minor Hockey President, Stacy Johnson, Hockey Alberta Zone 4 Minor Admin Chairman, Deb Northcott and ATB representative, Ryan Gillespie, and referree supervisor Josh Smith and his son, Kyle.
Pankiw noted this may be the last year some of the young men would be playing hockey and he hoped they enjoyed the game.
Guest speaker Brian Sutter shared his love of the game with the crowd and encouraged the players to have fun.
After Sutter’s inspirational speech, he made the ceremonial puck drop with host Captain Hudson Scott and Zone 4 Captain Zeth Eckert.
