KAMSACK — The recent Sask U13 Hockey Provincials concluded for the Kamsack Flyers with a flurry of intense matchups, showcasing the talent and dedication of young athletes from various communities.
The Kamsack Flyers, led by Head Coach Jared Ruf, provided insights into their journey through the tournament.
In the opening game held in Kamsack, spectators were treated to a thrilling spectacle as the Kamsack Flyers battled their opponents to a 2-2 tie. Ruf described the match as a "fast-paced, exciting battle," highlighting the fervent energy present throughout the game. Despite numerous scoring opportunities, the Flyers were unable to secure the decisive goal, setting the stage for an equally competitive rematch.
Travelling to Balgonie for the second game, the Flyers faced a tough challenge and ultimately fell short with a 4-3 loss. Ruf praised his team's resilience, noting their commendable effort in rallying from a 3-0 deficit to nearly equalize the score. The defeat, however, granted their opponents, the Prairie Storm team, the series win in the modified best-of-three format.
“The second game in Balgonie we lost 4-3, it was another hard-fought fast-paced affair. We were down 3-0 after two periods and showed great resilience and character to come back and almost tie it up. This loss gave the Prairie Storm team the series win,” Ruf said.
Reflecting on the series, Ruf emphasized the parity between the two teams, acknowledging the closely contested nature of the games. He expressed pride in the dedication and determination exhibited by his players, as well as gratitude towards the coaching staff and support network involved in preparing the team for the competition.
“It was a great series of hockey with two evenly matched teams," Ruf said. "Myself and the other coaches Deven Shabatoski and Kurt Shukin were very proud of the kids. They put in a lot of hard work to get ready for these games and they played their hearts out.”
While the early exit from provincials was disappointing for the Kamsack Flyers, Ruf emphasized the positive experiences gained from participating in high-level hockey. He underscored the camaraderie fostered among players from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the collaborative effort that contributed to the team's success and enjoyment.
“It was sad to lose in the first round and be done, but there was a lot of positive experience gained playing this high level of hockey and many friendships were made. The commitment from our players, families, manager Shanneen Tataryn and coaches is what made this team successful and fun. With kids from Canora, Kamsack, Cote, Preeceville, Keeseekoose, Stenen, Preeceville and Norquay all combining to make this team, we are all hopeful it will lead to more high-level teams like this in the future.”
