Regina Rebels seize gold at U-18 National Women's Hockey Championship
The Regina Rebels made history over the weekend — taking home gold for the first time ever at the U-18 women’s hockey national championships.
The underdog Rebels defeated the North York Storm 2-1 Saturday afternoon at the tournament’s final in Vernon, B.C.
“It was crazy,” centre Ashley Breitkreuz told CTV News. “It’s kind of hitting me right now. But the moment when it happened – it was a feeling I’ll never forget.”
Pilot Butte’s own Berlin Lolacher was named top forward of the tournament — while the title of most valuable player went to Prince Albert’s Stryker Zablocki.
Rebel’s goaltender Hannah Tresek had a near shutout – blocking 26 of 27 shots on goal.
Lolacher opened scoring midway through the second period , while Zablocki piled on with another just two minutes later.
“We came out of the gates a little sluggish,” Head Coach Kim Perepeluk told recalled. “Maybe a little nerves but nonetheless I think our goaltending played very well in the first period until we were able to adjust for a little bit. But I think in periods two and three we played quite well.”
A late power play goal brought the Storm to within one. However, Tersek effectively shut the door in the closing minutes of the game, making four saves.
“Their ability to adjust and adapt and to play for each other is something we emphasize from day one," Perepeluk added. "With lots of talent, you can get through a lot of games in your regular season and against provincial teams but when you get to an elite level – you’ve got to play like a team, play for each other and play for the crest and I think they did.”
When asked what she'll remember from the experience, Breitkreuz highlighted the connections she formed on the long road to the Esso Cup.
“This year we’ve been through a lot and we built a tight bond through everything and I think that’s the biggest thing I’ll take [away]," she explained.
"I’ll never forget the moments we shared this year.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW How car thefts are impacting your insurance, even if your car isn't stolen
As the number of auto theft incidents rises in Canada, so have insurance premiums for drivers, even the ones whose vehicles aren't stolen.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
opinion Trump's Republicans falling far behind in fundraising, infrastructure
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, Washington political analyst Eric Ham explains how and why Republicans -- up and down the ballot -- are falling far behind Democrats in both fundraising and infrastructure.
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says US$18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
Minnesota beats Boston 3-0, wins inaugural Walter Cup as Professional Women's Hockey League champs
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.