The Prince Albert Northern Bears were in Wilcox this past weekend. (File photo/ Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA

Northern Bears use weekend tourney as prep for Esso Cup

Dec 10, 2019 | 1:07 PM

The Prince Albert Northern Bears finished out of the medals in tournament play this past weekend.

They finished in eighth place at the 16 team Mandi Schwartz Memorial Tournament in Wilcox. The team’s head coach, Jeff Willoughby said the competition provided his squad the chance to see what is in store for them this spring.

“It’s really our last chance to replicate what the Esso Cup draw is going to be like, so we played five games in four days, very good measuring stick for us,” he said.

During the round robin portion, the team finished with two wins and one loss. This put them in second place in their pool, which got them in the top eight of the overall tournament. In the playoff round the Northern Bears dropped both of their games.

The tournament, which is by invitation, drew in teams from all over Western Canada. Willoughby said the level of competition was quite strong, with both of the team’s playoff games being decided by a single goal.

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“There’s not too many teams that don’t belong there,” he said.

Willoughby said he was impressed with how his team performed on both the offensive and defensive side.

The tournament was established to honor the memory of the late Mandi Schwartz, who was an elite level hockey player from Wilcox who ended up playing for Yale University. She passed away after battling cancer in 2011 at age 23.

Willoughby said the team encouraged players to learn about Schwartz and her legacy. He added the team appreciates having the chance to take part.

“It’s not just another tournament in our eyes,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn