The Yorkton Bantam DQ - ATP Nutrition Terriers are preparing for the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) provincial Bantam A playoffs beginning with Game 1 on February 22 in Carlyle.
To prepare for the provincial playoffs many practices, team building events, tournaments and an upcoming Showcase Tourney in Canora will help the team compete for a provincial title.
The Yorkton DQ - ATP Nutrition Terriers last competed in the Minot Border Cup challenge boasting a 5-0 undefeated record on their way to championship win over Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Competing south of the border the Terriers defeated the Regina Royals, Regina Blues, Bismarck and Williston on their way to the championship win.
Coach Jason Gordon is impressed by the overall depth and teamwork that has been shown by the Terriers this early.
"When you are putting together a provincial team it begins with selecting players from the three local bantam teams,” he said. “In short term competition, players need to trust each other and get used to playing with new players. This team adjusted quick and we want to keep that momentum heading into the Showcase and Provincial competition."
The team building process began by resurrecting an old Yorkton Minor Hockey tradition known as Hockey Day in Togo on Jan. 3. The last hockey day in Togo was in 2012 when Jeff Flett was coaching a bantam team in Yorkton. Hockey Day in Togo was a dream with the opportunity to connect with the community and small town hockey. Gina Flett, Yorkton Minor Hockey Executive Director, was a significant inspiration in the planning of the original hockey day in Togo.
"I am lucky to coach Levi Erhardt from Togo this season from Togo,” said Gordon. “The Erhardt family, led by parents Loretta and Stacey, were fundamental in getting the day organized for the community. Loretta opened their community arena to our team and gave all of our families a small town hockey experience.
“It was amazing to be in Togo for the day as our team split up into three family based teams and played a three-on-three mini tournament with young and older siblings joining the fun."
The final preparation, before the provincial draw begins, is the Bantam A Showcase invitational tournament slated for Canora on Jan.31-Feb.2.
The tournament will feature the top teams in the Saskatoon Bantam A League, Martensville Marauder Villains. The Villains have only three losses during the regular season this year.
The Warman Wildcats, Regina Mustangs, Moose Jaw Warriors, Saskatoon Flyer Jackals and host Terriers make up the six teams in the showcase.
The Terriers will clash with the Villains on Saturday night at 6:00 in Pool Play.
Championship Sunday will all be wrapped up before the Super Bowl with games at 9:00, 11:00 and 1:00.
The Terriers will play Carlyle in Round #1 of provincial championship on Feb.22.2 in Carlyle and Game 2 on March 1 in Yorkton at the Farrell Agencies Arena at 4:15 p.m.
