A number of Estevan players were on the Zone 1 team that captured the midget Sask First championship in Saskatoon on the weekend.
The Sask First program is a showcase for players in the bantam, midget and female divisions, beginning with tryouts in each zone, followed by the tournament.
The southeast team won the tournament in convincing fashion, posting four straight wins. They earned a 6-2 victory over Zone 7, which represents the west central region of the province, in the final on Sunday.
Previously, they won 4-3 over Zone 3 (southwest), 4-2 over Zone 2 (Regina) and 11-0 over Zone 8 (north).
Six players represented Estevan and area at the tournament.
Blaine Herzberg was relentless in pursuit of the puck. His smooth transitional play in the neutral zone led to numerous scoring opportunities and headaches for the opposing defencemen.
Kyle Salaway served up five assists during the tournament, using his dynamic puck handling skills to set up scoring chances.
Kaelan Holt led the group with four goals. His speedy acceleration and hard work had opponents' heads spinning.
Ryan Smith posted two goals and three assists, as his hard-charging, blazing fast tempo set the pace for his linemates and caused numerous turnovers by opposing players.
On the blue line, Tyler Hengen continuously enraged opposing forwards at every opportunity. His strong play in front of the net and in the corners kept the puck moving up the ice and away from danger.
Talys Halabuza scored one goal and added two assists. His dominating presence in the corners and side boards left opposing players battered while he transitioned the puck up the ice to waiting forwards.
Defenceman Dayton Westerman was also chosen for the team, but missed the tournament due to injury.
The female Sask First tournament also took place on the weekend, with four teams, including two from the north and two from the south.
Defenceman Mariah McKersie and forward Jessica Pele played for the South Green team, while defender Madison Colbow suited up for the South Gold team.
Full results were not available at press time.
The bantam tournament is coming up this weekend in Regina. Local players named to the Zone 1 team include defencemen Brady Long and Brayden Pachal and forwards Jayden Davis and Josh Skjonsby.
