With the Esso Cup just around the corner, Lloydminster Steelers goalie Grace Deveau and her teammates are doing everything they can to get ready for the national spotlight.
The host team is training four days a week, both on and off the ice. Early morning practices, strength workouts and team runs have become the norm.
Read more: Esso Cup preparations well under way
“We’re practicing four times a week,” said Deveau. “Not to mention the runs in the workout room and everything.”
Head coach Dan Auchenberg said the group took a short break after their league season ended, but they’ve been full speed ever since.
“They’ve been skating every morning at 7:15,” stated Auchenberg. “They run stairs on Tuesdays, and work out on Mondays.”
Auchenberg said the tournament will test them physically and mentally.
“It’s gonna be a grind,” he said. “It’s a seven-day tournament, and we have to be ready every day.”
The Lloydminster players are taking part in school visits to promote the event and meet with kids in the community.
“We’re playing floor hockey in many schools across the community to build the support,” said Auchenberg. “They’re really feeling the vibe now.”
Winning a national championship is a dream Deveau hopes comes true. She says the attention of TV cameras doesn’t worry her.
“It’s a lot of faces watching us,” said Deveau. “I’m pretty sure we’re on TSN.”
She said she’s looking forward to playing in front of fans and inspiring young girls from across Alberta and beyond.
“I think all the fans are coming out to watch us play,” said Deveau. “It’s going to be really exciting.”
Deveau sees the tournament as a big step for her future. She’s graduating this year and heading to Trinity Western University to continue playing hockey.
“I think just the level of play will help me,” said Deveau. “Moving into furthering my hockey career in university.”
Before she goes, she’s hoping to make a few more memories with her teammates.
“Definitely playing a few more games with them,” she said. “Before saying goodbye.”
For defender Taryn Leighton, the Esso Cup brings a different kind of challenge. At 15 years old, she’s playing as an underage on the roster.
“It’s not even my first year yet,” said Leighton. “It’s unbelievable.”
Leighton says she’s excited to play at home and experience the level of competition. She knows this tournament could shape her future in hockey.
“I think being able to see everybody (on a national scale),” she said. “That’s probably who we’ll be playing for the rest of our lives.”
She admitted it can be scary going up against older, stronger players. It drives her to play harder and smarter every shift.
“Yeah, it definitely is,” said Leighton. “But it pushes me a little bit harder.”
Her focus is on playing with confidence and physicality, using what she’s learned in practice to compete at the highest level.
For Leighton, the tournament means more than just hockey. It’s a chance to build memories with teammates she’s bonded with all year.
“It’s something we won’t forget,” she said. “We’ll always have that piece of each other in our hearts.”
The team’s first game is set for 7 p.m. April 20 against the Eastern Stars from PEI.
Auchenberg stresses the team has worked hard to improve since the playoffs and is excited for the challenge ahead.
“They’re very excited,” said Auchenberg. “Hopefully we can make something happen.”
Read more: Floor hockey helps promote Esso Cup
