Thursday, April 25, 2013 - Submitted by Kirk Kuppers
Last weekend marked the 52nd Western Shield which was hosted in Surrey, B.C April 4-7, 2013. Two women's teams from Hockey Manitoba entered the A and B Senior Women's WS Championships and came away with two medals: one Gold and one Bronze.
The Winnipeg Women's Hockey League represented by the Blazing Stars which is made up primarily of graduates from the Junior Women's league came with a purpose of winning and went the entire Tournament on the Senior B side undefeated. They sported a 5 and 0 record and won by a 3-0 margin in the final game over Grande Prairie.
(Check out a photo album of the great action from Surrey - click here)
They played exceptional hockey and are led by former Stars Courtney Lofto who put the team together, pulled in an extra coach, made the arrangements and only allowed 2 goals against in 5 games. That is a gold performance to both their leader and team mates. I know Courtney will not take all the credit but must be recognized for her effort and success. Congratulations Blazing Stars Gold winners Senior B WS 2013.
Even better news was the success of the MWJHL's North- ern Stars who represented Hockey Manitoba at the same 52nd WS on the Senior A side of the Senior Women's Championship. This Junior women's team who won the LG VI in February practiced and prepared with a mission in mind to be ready for this first ever event for a Junior representation and made a major impact while out there.
After the round robin and tied for 2nd with 2 wins, 1 tie and only 1 loss (vs Sask., Alta. & 2 B.C teams) they were relegated to the Bronze game on goal differentiation but came away with a 5-1 win over the Delta Jets winning the Bronze.
Congratulations to our Junior Northern Stars for an outstanding hockey performance and a their 3 wins, 1 tie and 1 loss in Senior Women's hockey.
The Manitoba female hockey player has risen to new heights from early years and now we must get the job done for a Western Junior Female Championship, sooner than later. Absolutely everyone chipped in to give a solid performance along with rookie coaches Dave Stoesz, Doug Fehr and Val Officer rookie mgr -well done. Also thanks to all parents attending awesome!
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