U11 AA Terriers end season with 'Hockey Fights Hunger' donations

YORKTON - It was the ‘perfect’ ending to the perfect story that was the 2022-2023 Yorkton U11 AA Core Real Estate Terriers season.

It was the cheque presentation day for the three local businesses that were part of the ‘Hockey Fights Hunger’ campaign with Yorkton’s Soup Haven. Team sponsor, Core Real Estate, and two additional businesses - Hometown Source for Sports and NL Construction agreed to donate $1.00 to Yorkton's Soup Haven for every goal the U11 AA Terriers scored throughout the entire season.

Over the 45 games the Terriers played, the team scored a whopping 427 goals. The Soup Haven was able to collect $1281.00 on Wednesday for their community service.

"I'm so proud about what our hockey club was able to collectively achieve throughout the season, and this final day provides me with some additional great emotions," stated head coach Mark Schendel.

The U11 AA Terriers would have a very successful hockey season in addition to the partnership with the Soup Haven.

The team would play a total of 45 games and end with a record of 42-1-2. They would complete the South East Minor Hockey League regular season with a perfect record of 24-0-0 and recently they experienced another perfect weekend at the league play-off tournament capturing the league title in Estevan.

In addition to the league championship, the U11 AA team would be the first Yorkton team to win the prestigious George Watson Tournament in Regina at the end of January. Teams throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba attend the tournament.

"That was certainly a highlight for everyone associated with this club," stated Schendel.

In the 32-team tournament final, the Terriers would trail the Lumsden Lions 4-1 with about 10 minutes remaining. The team would score three, including the tieing goal with two seconds remaining. Cason Nagy of the AA Terriers would score the winner in overtime so the team could claim the A-side championship.

"One of our mantras for us was when things are difficult, it's just right for us," mentioned Schendel. "The confidence, hockey understanding, skill level and overall execution by these youngsters was incredible," added Schendel. "They are an amazing group of 17 special players."

In addition to the fundraiser, the team also did a very successful food collection during one of their weekend home games. The team collected an incredible amount of food items that the Soup Haven was able to use. Many people in the community assisted with the food collection, and the two visiting teams (Northeast Wolfpack and Weyburn Red Wings) brought items as well.

"It was certainly a privilege to be part of this hockey team for the past four plus months, it truly is a mixture of emotions for me. I'm so pleased that we were able to accomplish so much this year, but I'm so sad that our time together is over," Schendel closed.