The Lloydminster U15AA Richardson Jewellery Steelers hosted Alberta Female Hockey League finals over the weekend, finishing second.
Parents, players and fans descended on the community to take part in the four-team final.
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Steelers manager, Carrie Larson, said they made memories at home as hosts of the U15AA elite provincials.
“It means everything,” said Larson. “There is always a comfort of playing in your hometown.”
Larson said the team felt the community’s energy at the Civic Centre throughout the weekend.
“They will remember these provincials forever,” said Larson.
The opening ceremonies left a lasting impression.
“The opening ceremonies were pretty cool,” said Larson. “It was like a concert.”
The Steelers opened the tournament Friday with a 2-1 overtime-loss to the Red Deer Chiefs. Lloydminster scored late in the third to tie it up but fell short seven seconds into overtime.
Molly Angelopoulos scored for Lloydminster on the power play. Kendall Hammer netted the overtime winner for Red Deer.
Later Friday, the Steelers rebounded with a 4-2 win against the Edmonton Ice Blue.
Calla Schlosser scored twice. Mairen Toutant and Karsyn Woytiuk added singles.
“We put on an amazing event,” said Larson. “Everybody’s happy with how it’s been going.”
On Saturday, Lloydminster edged the Calgary Fire Black 2-1.
Woytiuk scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third. Sadie Larson, however, sealed the deal with a late goal.
The Steelers advanced to Sunday’s final but lost 7-2 to Red Deer.
Woytiuk and Angelopoulos scored for Lloydminster. Red Deer’s Reece Lacina scored four times.
Larson said she hopes the players take home more than medals.
“It’s about hard work and making memories,” she said. “Even if they don’t come out with the gold.”
The tournament also marked the final provincials at Lloyd’s decades-old arena.
“It’s pretty special,” said Larson. “They’ll remember this for the rest of their lives.”
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