Flyers Sweep To Southern U18 A Championship - Photo Essay and Story

Photos and Story By Robert Thomas

It was cow bells, air horns, clappers and a lot of cheering from over 355 noisy fans who filed into the Milestone Memorial Centre to cheer on the hometown favourites the Milestone Female U18 A Flyers as they faced the visiting Prairie Storm Thunder in Saskatchewan Female Hockey League (SFHL) playoff action.

A win against the Prairie Storm Thunder would see the Flyers capture the SFHL U18 A Southern Saskatchewan Championship.

And for the noisy fans the Flyers did not disappoint defeating the Thunder 3 - 1.

Flyers netminder Kamrie Kaufmann makes another stop in the First Period

The Flyers came out slow in the First Period and it was taken advantage of by the Prairie Storm Thunder. Despite having some quality shots they were unable to score against Flyers’ netminder Kamrie Kaufmann.

Jayda Donison played a strong game for the Flyers - MJ Independent photo

During the First Period the Flyers began to play more aggressive hockey which led to the team ending up penalized with the P:rairie Storm Thunder having a five on three advantage.

The Flyers managed to mount a highly successful penalty kill and the Prairie Storm Thunder were unable to score.

However just as the last penalty expired Prairie Storm Thunder’s Avery Elder took a shot through a bunch of legs at the 6:14 mark to give the Thunder the lead. The assist went to Alxa Materi.

Nikita Halyk fights for the puck - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers would come out skating in the Second Period and for the most part dominated play.

The effort would pay off at the 18:41 mark when Emily Quigley would score a powerplay goal at the 18:41 mark assisted by Callie Callaghan and Sidney Ellingson.

The puck goes through some traffic on the Flyers first goal - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers wiould score a second powerplay goal at the 17:57 mark on a wrist hand shot by Nikita Halyk assisted by Elloingson and Ember DuSomme.

The Flyers Taryn Sandbeck rushes up the ice - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers would keep up the pressure in the Second Period which saw both teams make rushes up the ice but were both unable to score more goals.

The Flyers Caralyn Weisgerber uses her size to her advantage in the fight for the puck - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers Nikita Halyk goes down on her knees while vying for position in front of the Thunder’s net - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers Ember DuSomme jockeys for position - MJ Independent photo

Sidney Ellingson manages to steal the puck from Prairie Storm Thunder netminder Kiara Corbin - MJ Independent photo

Due to their aggressive play the Flyers found themselves in another five on three disadvantage but this time were able to not only successfully kill the penalties but made sure the Thunder squad did not score.

The Flyers ended the Second Period with a one goal lead on the Prairie Storm Thunder.

Sidney Ellingson stickhandles behind Prairie Storm Thunder’s net - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers scored again in the Third Period on the powerplay when Nikita Halyk wired a shot on the blocker side of Kiara Corbin and into the top shelf. Time of the goal was 12:27 with Callaghan picking up the assist.

A shot by Nikita Halyk goes over the shoulder of Kiara Corbin for the Flyers third goal - MJ Independent photo

With the Flyers drawing a penalty with 2:38 left in the Third Period the Prairie Storm Thunder called a time out.

Following the time out the Thunder pulled their goalie in favour of the sixth attacker but were unable to score.

Prairie Storm Thunder calls a time out with 2:38 left in regulation play - MJ Independent photo

Prairie Storm Thunder’s backup goalie Ivy Grant’s hair still supports the colour of St Paatrick’s Day - MJ Independent photo

Flyers netminder Kamrie Kaufmann making a save close in while Prairie Storm Thunder was on the power play late in the Third Period - MJ Independent photo

Teeing up a shot late in the Third Period - MJ Independent photo

Milestone assistant coach Darrell Perres talks to Kalla Nicholas as she leaves the ice with less than 30 seconds to go in the game - MJ Independent photo

Milestone takes to the ice in celebration of their victory - MJ Independent photo

In the post game interview Flyers’ head coach Shane Kauffman said he was proud of the team’s accomplishment in not only winning the SFHL South Division Championship but also how the team had played throughout the playoffs.

Asked about the fan support Kaufmann said he was thankful for the over 325 fans who came out to support the team. Many of who had driven in from area communities to watch team members from what is actually a regional team play.

Sticks are strewn across the ice as Milestone takes to the ice in celebration of their victory - MJ Independent photo

Kaufmann said the plan was to take the Southern Championship in two games - something they have done throughout the playoffs so far by not losing a game.

“It’s what we set out to do (win it in two games) but things don’t always go according to plan.”

The second period was key to the Flyers win with their aggressive penalty killing - when Prairie Storm Thunder had a 5 - 3 advantage - and not allowing the Thunder to answer back with a tying goal.

Sidney Ellingson hugs Milestone’s assistant coach Darell Perres - MJ Independent photo

Milestone Flyer’s head coach Shsne Ksufmsnn (left) shakes hands with Prairie Storm Thunder’s head coach Jeff Schumack - MJ Independent photo

Lined up for the banner presentation - MJ Independent photo

The championship banner is presented - MJ Independent photo

Nikita Halyk celebrates the win - MJ Independent photo

Moose Jaw Mavericks products (from l - r) Taryn Sandbeck, Ember DuSomme, Sidney Ellingson and Nikita Halyk hold up the championship banner - MJ Independent photo

Flyers Emily Quigley about to get a hug from her proud mom - MJ Independent photo

The Flyers now face the SFHL’s North Division champions the East Central Fillies with the game dates and time yet to be decided.