By Jeff D'Andrea

Soyko plays for Broncos

Bears’ Soyko playing for the Broncos in emotional OT victory

Feb 16, 2019 | 10:55 PM

Prince Albert Northern Bears captain Abby Soyko had a lot of reasons to be motivated to play in Saturday’s 4-3 overtime victory of the Regina Rebels at the Kinsmen Arena.

It was Soyko’s final regular season game as a member of the Bears, her 136^th career game with the team dating back to the 2014-15 season. Soyko will end her Bears career as the franchise’s all time leading goal scorer with 65, point-getter with 128 and is tied for assists with 63 with former Bears captain Kaitlin Willoughby.

It was also a big game for the team, as a regulation win would have guaranteed third place in the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League.

But for Soyko, it was the special jerseys they were wearing.

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Soyko and the Bears wore special Humboldt Strong themed jerseys on both Friday and Saturday against the Rebels. They will auction them off after their first home playoff game to raise funds for the SJHL Mental Assistance Fund.

“I told the girls at the start of the period around the net, ‘look at the jerseys we’re wearing.’ I said tonight, we play for them,’” Soyko said as she padded the Broncos’ logo on her chest. “I think it’s really important, because a lot of us know people from there. We know people are struggling with that, so it’s really important. More people should be doing that.”

Soyko scored a hat trick, including the overtime winner 3:53 into the extra frame in the victory.

“I just think it’s good to end on a good note for when I leave,” Soyko said. “And I think we just need to bring that momentum into the playoffs, and we should be fine.”

Soyko was one of six graduating Bears that played their last regular season game for the club. Her triplet sister Alli Soyko was one of them, as well as Jadyn Kushniruk, Kate Ball, Miranda Heidt and Lexi Beuker. All six started the game, with Beuker in goal.

Soyko, Kushniruk, Ball and Heidt are all representing Saskatchewan at the upcoming Canada Winter Games in Red Deer Feb. 24 to March 2. S

The Bears ended the season with a 17 wins (13 in regulation), nine defeats and two overtime losses. They’re currently in third place, but that could change if the fourth place Swift Current Wildcats win their last game in regulation.

The Bears will likely face the Notre Dame Hounds or the Battlefords Sharks in the first round.

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW