Northern Bears set to battle Swift Current in opening round of playoffs

The Northern Bears have seen quite a bit of success against Swift Current over the year, including winning the season series 3-2 and defeating the Wildcats in the finals of the Canadian Crown tournament in Devon, Alta.

“We’ve had good competition with Swift Current all year. All our games have been close and we expect the same,” continued Young.

P.A. is headed by rookie Jersie Andersen who had 32 points (14G, 18A) on the year while Annika Neufeldt has been a wall between the pipes, posting an 11-9 record with a 2.33 GAA and a .929 SV%, along with a shutout. Those stats rank her fourth in the Sask. Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) among goaltenders.

For the Wildcats, leading the charge is University of Regina commit Raela Packet, who managed 22 points (8G,14A) while not far behind is Dior Stringer with 20 points (11G, 9A). In goal, rookie Ashley Vezeau recorded eight wins and seven losses to go with a 2.40 GAA and .905 SV%.

“Going into their building, we expect them to be coming out very strong. The expectations of the hockey club right now, the regular season is done and we’re starting a new chapter against Swift Current and we have to be ready to play.”

“I think it’s a time of year when [the team] is excited,” added Young. “The regular season is a grind, but I think you get a bit of a fresh start here. They’re excited, ready to go. They know that they have to compete hard to get what they want to get.”

Game 1 of the series is set for 7:45 p.m., and Game 2 is 7 p.m. Sunday in Prince Albert at the Art Hauser Centre. If needed, a series-deciding Game 3 is slated for Wednesday in Swift Current with a 7:45 p.m. start.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

On Bluesky: @loganlehmann.bsky.social

by Logan Lehmann

Northern Bears set to battle Swift Current in opening round of playoffs

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