The Vermilion Tigers came to Provincials ready — and they left with hardware.

After battling through a tough tournament at the newly built Cenovus Energy Hub in Lloydminster, the Tigers capped off their run with a 5–2 win over the Sherwood Park Knights to claim the bronze medal.

It wasn’t an easy road. But it was one that defined exactly who this team is.

Tigers Deliver When It Matters Most

Vermilion opened Provincials with a statement, edging CNHA Black 5–4 in overtime. They followed it with another tight game, falling 2–1 in overtime to Sherwood Park, then faced a tough loss against La Crete.

With their tournament on the line, the Tigers responded in a big way.

A dominant 10–1 win over the Medicine Hat Cubs punched their ticket to the bronze medal game — and they didn’t let that opportunity slip.

In the final matchup against Sherwood Park, Vermilion took control early and never looked back. They led 2–1 after the first period, added three more in the second, and locked things down in the third.

Five different players found the back of the net, including Dannon Pavka, Cale Johnston, Dalin Hannah, Cash Capjack and Rogan MacNab. Jaxson Toutant and Cade Meiklejohn each recorded two assists, while goaltender Ryan Stowe turned aside 21 of 23 shots to secure the win.

Special teams made the difference, with the Tigers capitalizing twice on the power play and shutting down Sherwood Park’s chances.

A Second Chance That Turned Into Something More

Vermilion’s path to Provincials came after a playoff series that was much closer than the final result suggested.

The Tigers finished second in the regular season with a strong 28-5-3 record, just behind the Lloydminster Bandits at 30-6. The two teams met in the league final, where Lloydminster took the series in four games.

But those games told a deeper story.

Two of the four were decided in overtime, and another was a one-goal game. Vermilion was within reach the entire series, pushing the eventual hosts to the limit.

With Lloydminster hosting Provincials and receiving an automatic berth, Vermilion advanced as the next team in line — and made the most of that opportunity.

Individual Excellence Powered Team Success

The Tigers’ success wasn’t just about one moment. It was built over a full season of standout performances.

Several players were recognized with league honours:

Cade Meiklejohn was named NEAJBHL Most Valuable Player and led the league in regular season goals.
Aiden Fox earned Top Goalie honours.
Ean Cooke was named Defenceman of the Year.

That combination of scoring, defence and goaltending carried Vermilion all season and showed up when it mattered most.

A Team That Earned It

The Tigers summed it up best themselves:

“BRONZE, BABY!!! Our Vermilion Tigers came to Provincials hungry, battled through every shift, and walked away with a well-earned bronze medal… Small town. Big heart.”

This wasn’t just a third-place finish.

It was a team that refused to go quietly after a tough playoff loss. A group that stayed together, kept pushing, and found a way to end their season on their terms.

And in a year where everything was close, that bronze medal means something bigger.