Irma Aces Host U13 Tier 3 Hockey Alberta Provincials

In a display of youthful talent and sporting spirit, the Irma Aces played host to the U13 Tier 3 Hockey Alberta Provincials Championships from March 21 to March 24. The event brought together great teams including Smoky River, Cochrane Rockies, St. Alberta 509, Foremost U13 Flyers, Hughenden Jets, Bow River Bruins 3 Gold, and Manning.

Action kicked off on Thursday evening at 4:30 p.m. as Smoky River clashed with the Cochrane Rockies, setting the stage for an intense weekend of hockey. At 7 p.m. the Irma U13 Aces faced off against the St. Albert 509 ultimately clinching victory with a score of 9-2.

Friday morning saw an early start at 8 a.m. with Foremost Flyers taking on the Hughenden Jets, followed by a exciting bout between Manning and the Bow River Bruins. The day culminated in a grand opening ceremony at 1 p.m., a momentous occasion where teams, players, managers, and coaches were formally introduced amidst a backdrop of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

During the Opening Ceremony a poignant land acknowledgment was delivered, recognizing the ancestral territory of the Indigenous peoples of Alberta, a gesture emblematic of respect and inclusivity. The stirring rendition of the national anthem, “O Canada,” and ceremonial puck drop further heightened the sense of occasion.

The Irma Aces resumed their quest for provincial glory immediately following the opening ceremonies, facing the formidable challenge of Smoky River. Despite a valiant effort, Smoky River were unable to overcome their opponents, succumbing to a 10-2 defeat inching the Aces closer to the championship title.

On a high from their previous win, the Aces took on the Cochrane Rockies on Saturday at 1 p.m. Unfortunately, their winning streak was cancelled when they lost with a score of 8 – 4.

As the tournament entered its decisive phase on Sunday morning, anticipation reached a high-point with the commencement of the semi-finals at 8 a.m. with a game between the Cochrane Rockies and the Hughenden Jets. After an evening of rest the Irma Aces were back on the ice determined to make it to the final championship game. The faced off against the Foremost Flyers at 10:30 a.m. knocking them out with a score of 4 - 2. The stage was set for the Championship Final at 4 p.m. In the end, the Championship was claimed by the host team Irma Aces with a score of 5-3 victory over the Hughenden Jets cementing their status as deserving victors and exemplifying the essence of competitive hockey at its finest.