Jr. B. Tigers Capture Bronze

Jr. B Tigers with their Bronze medal win. Photo submitted

The 2026 Alberta Junior B Hockey Provincials brought a full weekend of high-level competition to the Cenovus Energy Hub in Lloydminster from April 1–5, with the Lloydminster Bandits hosting six teams from across the province in a well-run and highly attended event.

While the host Bandits worked hard throughout the tournament, it was the Vermilion Tigers who found their stride late, finishing the weekend strong and capturing the bronze medal in front of a supportive local crowd.

Opening day set the tone for the tournament, highlighted by a thrilling overtime victory for the Tigers over CNHA Black. Vermilion came out flying, building a 3–0 first-period lead on goals from Ean Cooke (assisted by Toutant and Quist), Gramlich, and Pavka. CNHA battled back to tie the game, but the Tigers held their composure. Davidson, with assists from Anderson and Haygarth, sealed the 5–4 overtime win.

As the round robin progressed, the competition only intensified. The Medicine Hat Cubs and La Crete Lumber Barons quickly established themselves as top contenders, both earning multiple wins to secure their spots in the gold medal game.

The Tigers faced early adversity but delivered when it mattered most, coming back each day ready to put everything on the ice. On the final day of round robin play, needing a win to stay alive, Vermilion exploded offensively in a dominant 10–1 victory over the Medicine Hat Cubs. The Tigers jumped out to a 4–0 lead after the first period and never looked back, showcasing the depth and scoring ability that had been building all tournament.

That performance not only secured their place in the bronze medal game but shifted momentum entirely.

Head coach Danny Haygarth noted the change in mindset. “I told the boys just to enjoy it. We just seemed to be so tense earlier, but once we played our game, things started to click,” said Haygarth.

That energy carried into the bronze medal game, where the Tigers delivered one of their most complete efforts of the season, defeating the Sherwood Park Knights 5–1 to claim third place.

Pavka and Johnston opened the scoring in the first period to give Vermilion a 2–1 lead after twenty minutes. In the second period, the Tigers took control both physically and on the scoreboard. Hannah, Capjack, and Macnab each found the back of the net, extending the lead to 5–1.

The Tigers’ offensive leaders stepped up when it mattered most, while strong goaltending and team depth played a key role in the team’s late tournament success.

Throughout the entire season, the Vermilion Tigers proved they belonged among the province’s best. As a small-town team competing against larger centres, they showed heart, resilience, and determination every step of the way. They fought through every provincial game, never backing down and never giving up, playing for each other and their community. Bringing home the bronze medal is not only a reflection of their performance this weekend, but an incredible accomplishment that speaks to the character of this group.

Meanwhile, the championship game saw the La Crete Lumber Barons capture gold with a 7–2 victory over the Medicine Hat Cubs, capping off an impressive tournament performance.

Despite not finding success in the standings, the Lloydminster Bandits competed hard in front of their home crowd and represented the host community with pride. Off the ice, the Bandits organization delivered a strong provincial event, earning praise from visiting teams and fans alike.

In the end, the 2026 Alberta Junior B Provincials proved to be a celebration of competition, resilience, and community hockey. For the Vermilion Tigers, it was a weekend defined by growth, determination, and a strong finish with a bronze medal.