Salmon Arm hockey products Maggie Shykula-Ross and Alexa Ranahan did their hometown proud, contributing to Team BC’s best finish at the National Women’s Under 18 Championship since the team’s bronze-medal win at the 2005 tournament in Salmon Arm.
Team BC started off the tournament in Saguenay, Que. on a positive note by defeating Team Alberta 2-1.
Their next challenge was against the defending champions Team Ontario Red. Team BC finished the first period down 1-0. Team Ontario took advantage of three power-play opportunities to score three goals in the second. In the third, Ranahan assisted Stephanie Schaupmeyer for B.C.’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to Team Ontario Red.
The final game of the round robin saw Team BC match up against Team Manitoba. Manitoba took an early 2-0 lead in the first six minutes of the first period.
Despite a close game and a late third-period goal by Stephanie Schaupmeyer, it wasn’t enough for a win for Team BC.
Although missing the medal round by one point, Team BC finished strong by defeating Team Ontario Blue 5-0 to capture a fifth-place finish.
Team Ontario Red won their seventh consecutive gold medal by defeating Quebec 3-0, and Manitoba took home the bronze by defeating Team Atlantic 3-1.
