The Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs are putting the finishing touches on their on and off-ice game as they prepare to welcome the best senior teams in the Alberta for the Sr. AA Hockey Provincial Championship.
“For the organization, the team, and I think even the community, it’s a pretty big deal for us,” said co-coach Corey Wandler. “It’s been something that we’ve been excited for; we’ve had it marked on the calendar since the day we were awarded the tournament.”
From March 22 to 25, six teams from across the province, including the hosts, will descend on the R.J. Lalonde Arena to compete for provincial supremacy. Set up in an eight-game format over the four days, teams will hit the ice at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The bronze medal game takes place on Sunday at 10 a.m., with the gold medal match-up set for 1 p.m.
The Sr. Pontiacs will kick-off their tournament action on Friday, March 23, following the opening ceremonies that evening at 8 p.m., which will feature a military band, speeches from dignitaries, and the ceremonial puck drop.
For the Sr. Pontiacs organization, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary this season, they were pleased to welcome the tournament back to Bonnyville after last hosting it in 1988.
“It’s big for the players to have the opportunity to play in provincials at home, and we think it’s good for the businesses in Bonnyville, our fans, and volunteers,” said host committee chair Dennis Germain.
He added, “We’ve travelled to provincials many times before... I think it’s huge to be at home because it gives you an advantage to get the rest and play on your home ice in front of your fans.”
While the host team isn’t making the entrance into the tournament they would have liked to, after being eliminated from the North Central Hockey League playoffs, Wandler explained it’s given them the chance to “hit the reset button” and focus on preparing for provincials.
Running practices every chance they’ve had, the coaching staff has been making sure the players stay focused and fine tuning any problems areas.
“I think we just need a better committed effort in our defensive zone, less breakdowns, and managing the puck a little better. We’re just going to simplify it and not panic. There were times in the past where we’d get a little panicked and start scrambling; we weren’t able to slow the game down and it just snowballed on us.”
As long as the team shows up with the right mindset and focuses on what they corrected in practice, Wandler believes they’ll give themselves a shot at making it to the gold medal game.
“We’ve got a good group of guys that are committed. We know that we can be a dangerous team as long as we don’t get hemmed in our own zone and fall apart defensively. We know the teams that are coming, the competition is going to be tough. We have to be sharp as individuals and as teammates. We have to be prepared and know that we’re playing the best of the province, we can’t afford to take any time off.”
Taking up the remaining five spots on the tournament schedule are the Nanton Palominos, Lethbridge Lightning, Wainwright Rustlers, Elk Point Elks, and the Daysland Northstars.
With four teams from outside the Lakeland area, organizers are hoping the tournament will not only bring excitement on the ice, but also a much-needed boost of tourists for local businesses.
“We’re looking at about 150 participants in the tournament, besides that you’ve got significant others, family members, parents, and fans from other communities. I think the impact to the community could be upwards of 500 people coming in for the weekend. At least four of the teams will be booking hotels, and games are in the evening. During the day, they’ll have things to do; they’ll be eating at local establishments, shopping, and gassing up their vehicles,” expressed Germain.
Of course, an event of this caliber wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community and the numerous volunteers who have stepped-up to the plate to make it happen. Germain noted he’s appreciative of the way residents have embraced the tournament, as they’re still getting people asking to help out.
The organization is hoping the community will show their support once again starting this weekend to cheer on the Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs.
“The players really play for the love of the game. There’s no compensation, there’s nothing in it for them. They’re aged from 20 to 35-years-old, so they’re all local guys that everybody in the community knows. It’s good hockey, very entertaining, full-contact, hard-hitting hockey, so I think it’s something that the community will enjoy.”
For more information on the Alberta Sr. AA Hockey Provincials, including schedules and results, go to senioraa.haprovincials.ca.
