The Core Real Estate Atom AA Terriers capped off a very successful 2016/17 season as league champions on Mar. 25 in front of supportive fans at Farrell Agencies Arena.
The Terriers competed in the South East Minor Hockey League and after a bit of a slow start (and getting to know each other) went on a 13 game winning streak finishing the regular season in first place with a record of 16-3-1. The Terriers received a first round bye waiting for the winner of the Moosomin Ice Badgers and Moose Mountain Wild series. With Moose Mountain winning their series they became the Terriers first playoff opponent. The Terriers swept the best of three series, outscoring the Wild 23-13.
With the series win, they advanced to the league final to play the Swift Current Broncos who finished in second place in regular season play and defeated the Weyburn Red Wings in playoff action to also have a chance to become league champs.
Both teams were very evenly matched throughout the season and the league final best of three series was expected to be entertaining with lots of actions at both ends of the rink. Game one was played at Farrell Agencies Arena and the Terriers came out and scored a couple quick goals to lead them to a convincing 6-2 win.
The Terriers then made the road trip to Swift Current for game two and hopes of winning the league championship in Bronco’s territory. The Terriers had a commanding 5-3 lead after two periods. As expected the Bronco’s players were not going to go down without a huge comeback effort and comeback they did. With the help of an empty net the Broncos came back to win Game 2 by a score of 7-5.
Swift Current returned to Yorkton on Mar. 25 for game three and deciding game action.
The Terriers’ energy and focus prior to the game was unreal for such a young group of talented hockey players. The only thing on their mind was to win this game in front of a home crowd. The Terriers outplayed the Bronco team from the drop of the puck and played very dominant hockey winning the game, the series and the league championship with a 7-0 win over their league rivals. All the excitement and action in the Farrell Agencies Arena prior to, and during, this game was truly amazing for these kids to be a part of. The team became a very tight knit group through the season and have provided each other with a memory that they will have forever.
The Atom AA Terriers would like to thank Core Real Estate and their team of professionals for being our major sponsor. We would also like to thank all other sponsors and families who helped make our season so successful. This championship was not possible without you.
