Steelers Win Provincial Gold In Overtime Thriller

The U18 AA Musgrave Steelers with their gold banner and medal. Photo submitted

The U18 AA Musgrave Steelers have made history in a way that will not soon be forgotten, capturing the 2026 provincial championship in dramatic fashion during their very first appearance at the tournament.

Head coach Scott Dopko’s squad defeated Grande Prairie 1-0 in Sunday’s March 29 gold medal game, sealing the victory just 17 seconds into overtime and sending the bench into an unforgettable celebration.

For a team that entered provincials as underdogs, the win was the culmination of a season built on belief, growth, and a commitment to putting the team above all else.

“This is the first time this team has been to provincials, and the first team from the north division that has ever won,” said Dopko.

The Musgrave Steelers are a unique group, drawing players from across the region including Vermilion, Irma, Wainwright, Sedgewick, Cold Lake, and Lloydminster. While the roster changes from year to year, nine returning players provided a strong foundation this season as the team continued to build chemistry across community lines.

From the outset of the playoffs, the team embraced its identity.

“We were the underdogs coming in,” Dopko explained. “Our first two rounds of playoffs the team really dug in defensively and played for each other, with our team motto being ‘team over self.’ That continued into the provincial round where we really shut down the other teams’ offence.”

That buy-in did not happen overnight. According to Dopko, much of the season was spent developing players individually while also defining team roles and fostering internal competition.

“Once we had full acceptance, we really grew into a championship team,” he said.

Leadership played a key role in that transformation, with Captain Ava Cadrain supported by assistant captains Katie Billard, Avery Redhead, and Kiana McBride, all of whom helped set the tone in practices and keep the group focused and positive throughout the year.

Dopko noted that belief in the group truly took hold after their first playoff series win.

“Once we won our first round, the feeling of belief was evident, and I knew we would make it to provincials,” he said.

That belief carried into the gold medal game, where a scoreless contest set the stage for a nerve-wracking three-on-three overtime.

“The message going in was not to force things, be sound defensively, and wait for our opportunities,” Dopko said.

The winning play developed quickly off a faceoff. Molly carried the puck along the boards, protecting it well before creating a three-on-one opportunity down low. After a quick exchange, the puck found its way back to her stick and she buried it.

Moments later, the Steelers were provincial champions.

“The raw emotion of the kids and staff was something I will never forget,” said Dopko. “Tears of joy and being able to share it with such an awesome group is truly a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

Despite the pressure of overtime, Dopko credited the team’s composure to a simple mindset that guided them throughout the postseason.

“Focus on what we can control, the rest is noise. Effort and attitude we control,” he said, noting both players and coaching staff stayed grounded in that approach.

Defensively, the team was anchored by outstanding goaltending throughout the regular season and playoffs, as well as the provincials. Jolie Whitten, who was named playoff MVP, delivered a standout performance in the final, recording the shutout.

“She held us in every game,” Dopko said. “She credits the play in front of her, but she doesn’t realize how good she is.”

Beyond the championship, Dopko emphasized the broader significance of the victory, not only for the team, but for female hockey as a whole.

“Female hockey has become a powerhouse of skill and strategy that deserves the same spotlight as the male game,” he said. “Beyond the elite competition, female teams create a space for girls to build confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging.”

The coach was also quick to acknowledge the many contributors behind the scenes, from assistant coaches Ella Stewart and Jade Sandberg and trainer Gabby Dopko and team manager Oscar Buck and mentor and skills coach Nigel Dube, who joined the team for provincials and played a key role in their success.

For the U18 AA Musgrave Steelers, the 2026 season will be remembered not only for a championship, but for a journey defined by resilience, unity, and a belief that carried them all the way to the top—just 17 seconds into overtime.