The Lloydminster Steelers won 7–6 in overtime against the Lakeland College Rustlers in a fast-paced exhibition game. The game held at the Centennial Civic Centre April 10 was to prepare the U18 AAA PWM Steelers for the upcoming Esso Cup.
“We actually snuck out the win in overtime,” said Steelers head coach Dan Auchenberg.
The exhibition game was the fourth meeting between the two teams this winter.
Read more: Esso Cup preparations well under way
“We played them four times this season,” said Rustlers head coach Morgan Mann. “The last two games, our sole purpose was to do everything we could to support them.”
The Rustlers helped the Steelers prepare for nationals with full-speed play.
“We want to play a hard, fast game,” said Mann. “To give them that game experience that you can’t get in practice.
“It’s just not quite the same intensity and the battles.”
Many of Mann’s players hadn’t skated in weeks but still competed hard.
“We just were trying to do everything we could to support the Steelers,” he said of the nationals.
Auchenberg said the win was a team effort. He credited the Rustlers with helping them out.
“They work hard. Really hard,” he said. “They’re well coached.”
He also noted the energy in the rink.
“Home ice and the excitement of home fans, I think they’re ready,” he said.
Mann praised the Steelers’ team and staff.
“It’s such a special opportunity to host,” he said. “We’re really excited for them.
“It’s a great group from their coaching staff to their players and the people that support that team.”
Some of the Steelers will join the Rustlers next season.
“A couple of their players will be our Rustlers next year,” said Mann. “So we’re particularly excited for them.”
The game helped both teams — one preparing for nationals, the other for the next season.
Joining the host Steelers at the Esso Cup are the North York Storm (Ont.), Saskatoon Stars, Edmonton Jr. Oilers, Étoiles de Laurentides-Lanaudière (Que.) and the Eastern Stars of P.E.I.
Read more: Steelers win big at Roger’s Place
