The U13 AA Western Financial Steelers were all smiles after winning a gold medal at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games, held in Grande Prairie from Feb. 16-19. The Steelers (Zone 7) beat the St. Albert Raiders Bolts (Zone 5) 7-2 in the final after tournament-long dominance. Supplied Photo
What’s better than a perfect 21-0 season?
How about representing your zone and earning a gold medal at the 2024 Alberta Winter Games in Grande Prairie?
For the U13 AA Western Financial Steelers, playing out of the Alberta Female Hockey League, that pipe dream became a reality last weekend when the ladies defeated the St. Albert Raiders Bolts 7-2 in the gold-medal game.
Head coach, Ryan Payne, couldn’t have been happier with the way the weekend turned out, or the entire season for that matter.
After winning zones through playdowns against the Lakeland team in a best-of-three series, the Steelers punched their ticket to the Games, a first-time experience for the majority of players.
“Representing our Zone in the Games was a great experience for us as coaches as well as all the players,” said Payne.
“Grande Prairie did a great job. They bused us up there, had a big opening ceremony, and it was neat to see the girls experience all of that.”
Payne also noted Hockey Alberta provided branded jerseys to each of the players, adding to the experience.
“They felt like they were in the show,” said Payne. “All the pucks and everything was official Hockey Alberta merch, which the girls thought was really cool.”
The Games’ experience was a first for right winger Kamryn Gervais, who said it was something she won’t soon forget.
“It was really enjoyable and fun being with your team the whole weekend,” said the 12-year-old forward.
“Being able to win really helped us as a group and it uplifted everyone.”
Of the 7-2 final, Gervais explained the entire team gave it their all, something they’ve been doing all year.
“Everyone worked hard and contributed; it was a group win,” she said.
“We’re all best friends with each other, and it’s so cool to win games and have that experience as a group.”
For 12-year-old left winger Harper Clark, the team’s gold-medal win was the highlight of the weekend.
“The gold-medal game was my favourite part,” said Clark, who scored one of the team’s seven goals.
“That was also definitely the biggest game I’ve played in.”
Looking back at a perfect 21-0 season, Clark noted she thought the team gelled really well and hopes to see a similar roster next season.
“I’ve played with most of the girls in spring hockey last year,” said Clark, who lives in Edgerton.
“I’m hoping to play for the same next year, and I still haven’t taken off my gold medal.”
