The Lakeland Lightning has surpassed all expectations at the 2016 Canada Cup West in Kelowna, B.C. on May 8.
The Lakeland Lightning has surpassed all expectations at the 2016 Canada Cup West in Kelowna, B.C. on May 8.
The AAA peewee team drew players from AA teams in Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray, Mallaig, Kitscoty, Wainwright and Vermilion.
"They were kids from the entire Lakeland area," said coach Rick Swan, who also coaches the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs. "They were selected through a trial process. We were fortunate the parents asked us to coach them."
Swan explained that the majority of the players on the team had previously played in the Alberta Winter Games.
The team opened the tournament with a scorching 6-0 victory over the Vancouver Island Monarchs and topped it off with a 2-1 win over the Young Guns Elite Hockey Academy. The Lightning then clobbered the Calgary Riggers 7-1 and plundered the Kamloops Ice Pirates 5-2 to finish the round robin with a perfect 4-0 record.
"We had strong goaltending and good depth on defense and forwards overall," boasted Swan. "Our players showed some great promise that they're going to be great players in the future."
The Lightning continued zapping their competition on all fronts, defeating the Chilliwack Jr. Chiefs 5-2 in the semifinal before taking the gold in a thunderous 4-2 victory over the Grande Prairie Storm.
"Emmet Croteau played extremely well against Grande Prairie in the final game," praised Swan. "Also local kids like Caden Cabana, he showed that the introduction to contact is something that he's gong to be okay with."
This is the first level of hockey where players are able to engage in full contact.
Bonnyville contributed five players to the dream team. All local players were scouted from the Lakeland Peewee AA Panthers.
"I'm amazed at how well this team has come together as a group," expressed Swan. "They're just a strong group of kids. Being able to grasp the hockey they were playing at such a young age was very impressive."
"It brings a lot of optimism that there's such a strong level of talent in the Lakeland area."
The team began practicing for the tournament during the weekends at the end of April. The team will have two more practices until heading off to Saskatoon for a second tournament that starts May 20.
"We're focusing on training and habits. All the good stuff," mentioned Swan.
Swan added he is looking forward to seeing his players develop and had a number of players earmarked as possible future Jr. A Pontiacs.
"I love to see the kids exceed their own potential that they have in themselves," said Swan. "Hard work creates success."
