The Smoky River Atoms Tier 1 hockeyam has been busy with provincial playdowns these past few weeks. Our first round was played on January 17 where we headed off to Manning to play our first of two games. The game after 20 minutes of play showed the scoreboard at 0-0, when the teams took to the ice for the second period Bailey Hanson-Gagne put in two goals with the second goal assisted by Walker Cote. Jeremy Filion scored our third goal which was assisted by Blake Skrepnek. Bailey Hanson- Gagne scored again assisted by Lynden Andersen. The score after two periods was 4-0 for Smoky River. Not wanting to let this game slip through our fingers Maria Zarowny scored assisted by Bailey Hanson-Gagne, followed by Bailey Tokarz and Cruz Cote each scoring unassisted, giving our goalie Jesse Chabot his first shutout of the year. With the game ending 7-0, Manning forfeited and declined to play us at home. The second round saw us playing Wabasca, this time we were fortunate enough to have venue and got to play at home first. We played on February 8 in McLennan. We were expecting this to be a tough game and the kids played a defensive game at first scoring only one goal in the first period by Bailey Hanson-Gagne unassisted. After a bit of coaxing by their coaches the team decided it was time to play an offensive game, scoring eight goals in the second. Goals are as follows: Bailey Gagne assisted by Jaedyn Morin, Bailey Gagne unassisted twice, Cruz Cote assisted by Jaedyn Morin, Walker Cote unassisted, Bailey Gagne assisted by Tarren Dion, David Sanchez assisted by Cruz Cote and Jaedyn Morin assisted by Bailey Gagne. Not letting the big lead get to their heads the team took to the ice for the last period and scored 7 more goals. Scorers are as follows: Bailey Gagne assisted by Jaedyn Morin, Cruz Cote assisted by David Sanchez, Bailey Gagne assisted by Tarren Dion, Bailey Gagne assisted by Maria Zarowny, Blake Skrepnek unassisted, Bailey Gagne assisted by Walker Cote and Bailey Tokarz assisted by Jaedyn Morin. Wabasca scored once in the third period. With the score being 16-1 and more than a 10 goal span, Smoky River did not have to go to Wabasca. Our next round, which has to be played before February 24 will be against the winner of the Valleyview-Spirit River series. We’re very proud of our team and the way they handle themselves. After winning 16-1 our team did not overcelebrate and treated our guests with utmost respect. Keep up the good work and good luck in the next round.