Bonnyville Minor Hockey Report – U11 AA Panthers

The Lakeland U11 AA Panthers are settling into their stride, and after nine games they’ve proven they belong in the fight near the top of the Hockey Alberta Shield Conference. Sitting 4th with a strong 6–3–0 record, the Panthers continue to build a brand of hockey that’s fast, structured, and fearless — exactly the identity Head Coach Alex Kress has been pushing since day one.

Kress has the Group Buying In

Kress has been steady with his message all season: compete early, play connected, and trust the system. And it’s working. The Panthers have become one of the most disciplined forechecking teams in the division, forcing turnovers high and feeding their speed through the middle.

Kress says the biggest growth has come from the players learning how to think the game, not just react to it. The more they lean into that structure, the harder they are to play against — and right now, the standings are showing it.

Panthers Depth Starting to Shine

While the Panthers have their share of natural playmakers, what’s really pushing this team is its depth. Every line has kids who can move the puck, attack with pace, and make smart decisions under pressure. Games aren’t being won on one hot stick — the whole bench is rolling.

Two players helping drive that momentum are Caleb Lassard and Huxley Vasseur, who continue to show confidence and creativity with the puck.

Lassard has found another gear this year — stronger on his edges, quicker on loose pucks, and making plays that open the ice for his linemates. Vasseur has become one of the most reliable transition players on the team, turning defensive reads into scoring chances with calm, steady decision-making.

When the Panthers get rolling, these two are usually in the middle of it.

A Team That Knows How to Respond

At 6–3–0, what stands out most is the way this group responds after tricky moments. Whether they’ve surrendered an early goal, taken a tough bounce, or faced a late push from an opponent, the bench stays level. Kress deserves credit — but so do the kids. They’re showing maturity beyond their age.

This is a team that doesn’t fold. They reset. Then they attack.

A Competitive Shield Conference Race Ahead

The Shield Conference is tight this season, with very little separation between the top six teams. The Panthers are right in the mix. The wins they’ve earned haven’t been flukes — they’re the product of system play, effort, and a group that believes in its direction.

If the Panthers continue to play connected, trust their habits, and get contributions throughout the lineup, they’ll stay in the hunt all season long.

Looking Ahead

With Kress steering the ship and players like Lassard, Vasseur, and the rest of the roster continuing to elevate their game, the Panthers are trending exactly where they want to be — upward.

In U11 AA, it’s never just about wins. It’s about identity. And right now, the Lakeland Panthers are building one that’s tough to play against and easy to cheer for.