30-1-1 is a number sequence that might not mean anything to the average person, but it was significant for each member and coach of the Unity Lazers Midget A team.
This was the number of games played, resulting in 30 wins, one tie and one loss, in their regular season, league playoffs and provincial playoffs. After five months of hockey, the team only encountered one loss in their successful quest to capture two championship banners in one season.
A mixture of veterans and newcomers, the team bonded well and learned what it took to keep winning along the way. Head coach Todd Bertoia, along with assistant coaches Rus Prescott and Trevor Green, said their key to success was in the heart and desire of each and every team member to keep their eye on the prize, resulting in dual championship titles being earned.
Team members included Jeremy Campbell and Nick Anderson as goaltenders, Nolan Acton, Adam Wallace, Justin Gerein, Toby Prescott, Colton Timmermans, Dawson Bertoia, Trace Sperle, Mark Ganter, Justin Wood, Spencer Sperle, Rhett Timmermans, Gavin Dyck, Darby Bisson, Erling Lefsrud, Austin Duvall, Dustin McAleer, Chase Green, Lyndon Wells and Josh Lacoursiere, along with manager Blain Gerein. For some of the team, this was their last year of minor hockey as they graduate in June.
The Midget Lazers were able to capture the Midget A provincial title on the road as they travelled to Swift Current, March 27 to play the final, a resounding 12-1 victory over the Swift Current Wild. Two busloads of players, parents and fans headed to Swift Current and were able to enjoy their team earning this provincial championship.
The Lazers didn't have much time to rest and recuperate as the Hi-Way 14 Hockey League championship was in Unity the next night. This made four games in six days, including playing three consecutive nights.
The league final was against Elrose, who had handed the Lazers their only loss this season in game two of the league final series. This sent both teams to a third and decisive game, at home for the Unity club. Although the league final was a much closer game, the team left no doubt as a long shot was driven into the opposing end sending fans to their feet and players into the air knowing they had completed their quest of winning dual championship titles in their season.
