SPORTSHOUND: Shifting Gears on Ice: Elk Point Avalanche Teams Find Their Tier Groove

Every year, there’s a big debate about which tier each team should play in. The North East Hockey League has a large number of teams to manage, which makes this decision even more challenging. If a team plays in a tier that’s too high and loses repeatedly, it’s no fun for anyone. Conversely, if they play in a lower tier and easily win every game, there’s little challenge. While a few players might rack up impressive points, teams tend to develop bad habits, like neglecting to pass. The only positive outcome in that case is possibly advancing to the provincial finals. However, when they get there, they might not be prepared for tougher competition.

I believe the best solution is to re-tier the teams three or maybe four times a year, though this does create a scheduling challenge.

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U13 Avalanche Highlights

Our U13 Avalanche faced two Tier 2 teams over the weekend and lost both games. On Friday night at home, they played Lloydminster and were defeated 7–3. While the score wasn’t too one-sided, the Avalanche were outshot 50 to 25. Hunter “Hardrock” Pankiw scored the first goal, assisted by Hudson “The Hammer” Krankowsky on defense. Hudson “The Bull” Brousseau scored two unassisted goals on breakaways, stripping the puck and taking it upstairs each time. The game was tied 3–3 halfway through the second period when both teams swapped goalies. “Major Tom” Melnyk was strong in net for the Avalanche, and “General Lee” Barstad came off the bench but initially struggled, allowing three quick goals before settling down and only giving up one more in the third period.

Lennox “All Out” St. Arnault was exceptional, going coast to coast on several plays with his incredible speed and still managing to defend well. Kadence Blacklock, joining from pond hockey, looked sharp and unphased by the competition. “Fearless Frank” Killiam also made an impact, despite some missed shots, scoring two goals on Sunday’s game with help from Grayson “Big Bang” Koppang, who netted one goal himself. Unfortunately, the team took a tough 14–3 loss against the CNN Spurs in Bon Accord.

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U15 Avalanche Dominate Weekend Games

Our U15 Avalanche team was moved up to Tier 2 after winning big in two weekend games. They defeated Cold Lake on Friday with a 9–2 victory and followed it with a 7–0 win over Vermilion/Marwayne on Saturday. William “Billy Bob” Ballas scored three goals on Friday, with “Wild Wyatt” Fontaine, Liam “Sledgehammer” Swedgen, and Jaxon “Magic” Marcoux each contributing two goals and an assist. Cade Elliot from Dewberry and Jaxon “Smitty” Marcoux added three assists apiece, while Ryder “Rhino” Malo and Tristin “Bob Cat” Brousseau each provided an assist.

On Sunday, Wild Wyatt tallied three goals, while Sledgehammer, Rhino, Smitty, and Cade Elliot added one goal each. Theo “Longhorn” Loughran-Quinney and Owen “Ollie the Goalie” Grykuliak split the goaltending duties for the weekend.

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U18 Avalanche Weekend Recap

Our U18 Avalanche team, currently playing in Tier 3, had a mixed weekend. They defeated St. Paul 7–2 on Wednesday, with “Top Gunner” Crawford and “Free Willy” Braylee Lesyk each scoring twice. Quinton “Rampage” Quinney added a goal and an assist, while Evett “Snoop Dog” Smereka, Gavin “Green Light” Kadutski, Madden “Mad Dog” Flamand, Dustin “Dusty” Brind, and Anton “A Bomb” Braithwaite each contributed an assist.

On Sunday, Top Gunner, Green Light, Mad Dog, and “Without a Trace” Morgan scored against Kitscoty, though they ultimately lost 7–4. “Bo Diddley” Fontaine and Keysen “Dynamite” DeMossiac assisted on goals, while “Goodyear Charlie” Lesyk and Drayden Skakun shared goaltending duties.

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U11 Avalanche Cruise to Victory

The U11 Avalanche, playing in Tier 4, achieved a dominant 15–1 win in Hughenden on Sunday. Jase “The Jackal” Malo and “Machine Gun” Kelly each scored five goals, racking up numerous assists as well. Maximus “To the Max” Laliberte contributed three goals and an assist, Landon “Lights Out” St. Arnault tallied a goal and three assists, and “Jumbo Jay” Large and Thomas “The Tank” Morris added two assists each. Raidne “Radar” Savadra, Brady Heathcote, and Jasper “Grizzly” Hymanyk each chipped in an assist.

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U9 Avalanche Face Off Against Cold Lake

The U9 Avalanche hosted Cold Lake on Saturday morning, where Jaxtyn “Jack Hammer” Krankowsky donned the goalie pads and delivered an outstanding performance. Gavin “Badger” Brousseau and “Hard Knox” Mudryk scored several goals each. Aksel “Lightning” Aarbo celebrated her first goal of the season, and Gunner “The Roadrunner” Kelly showcased impressive forechecking and backchecking, assisting on several goals.

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Over the weekend, each team showed grit and skill, giving the fans something to cheer about!