The U13 AA Female Panthers had a big challenge ahead of them this past Saturday when they hosted the undisputed top team in the province, the Sherwood Park Monarchs. The Monarchs became the reigning Winter Games Gold Medal winners on the Family Day weekend, beating out the other seven zones in the province to win the U13 title.

Saturday’s game was played in the new arena at Goodfish, home rink of Panthers’ Aubrey “Gingy” Scanie, Kaleigha “Mama” Dion, Tessianna Shirt and goalie Jayvrie Houle. The Panthers were up for the challenge, and for two-thirds of the game, the Panthers could be considered the better team — by me, of course.

The play went back and forth for the first two periods. The Monarchs scored the first goal halfway through the first period. The Panthers answered right back with a goal by Vienna “The Bug” Colbourne, assisted by blueliner Baylee Brunet and forward Aspyn “Machine Gun Kelly” Kelly. Tied at one, the Monarchs took the lead once more.

But once more, the Panthers tied the game at two on a goal by Aubrey “Gingy” Scanie, assisted by The Bug. Then, immediately, the Panthers took a 3-2 lead on a goal by Morgan “The Sinner” Oomen, assisted by Mia “Moose” Moosewah-Littlechild. The trailing Monarchs tied it up at 3 all before The Bug added her second of the game to give the Panthers a 4 to 3 lead, assisted by Machine Gun Kelly. The Monarchs tied it up once more just before the buzzer to end the second period.

In the third period, the Monarchs, getting more aggressive, scored two. The Panthers, starting to power out, were unable to answer. Final 6 to 4 for the Monarchs.

Baylee Brunet Player of the Game for February 21 vs Sherwood Park

Another outstanding game for Panthers goalie Jayvrie Houle, who faced 37 shots. Strong game on defence from Maggie “Mugzy” Mahe, Tessianna Shirt, Mia Chappell and Maja “Pinchy” Pinch helping out with the cause. Great forechecking by Markelle “Jazzy” Whitford-Bull and “Mighty Mouse” Brenna Brunet, creating turnovers.

On Sunday, the Panthers travelled to St. Albert to face another top team in the league, the St. Albert Bolts. Another good game for the Panthers coming up just a bit short, losing this one 3 to 2.

Patrolling the blue line like a cop, Avery “On Doody” Doody jumped up into the play, scoring the first goal for the Panthers, assisted by the rugged winger Grace Manson. Late in the third period, with only a minute left, Vienna “The Bug” Colbourne scored her 18th goal on a wide-open breakaway unassisted.

Coach Shaun Hebert calling a timeout, getting out the whiteboard, and drawing up a play. The Panthers, who won the faceoff, came inches from scoring to tie the game. Close but no cigar, a bit like Team Canada earlier that morning.

Avery “On Doody” Player of the Game for February 22 vs St. Albert

If these two games proved anything, it’s that the Panthers can skate with anyone in this province. Come playoff time, nobody will be taking this group lightly. This coming weekend, the Panthers travel to Grande Prairie for three games to end the regular season: Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.