Smoky River Atoms wrap up their successful season

Smoky River Hot Shots include coaches Mark Valiquette, Darren Cote, Danny Dion and James Anderson. (Second row) Josh Valiquette, Josh Sylvain, Lynden Anderson, Blake Skrepnek, Jacob Zarowny, Rene Girod, David Therriault. (Third Row) Josh Aubin, David Sanchez, Bailey Tokarz, Walker Cote, Cruz Cote, and Tarren Dion.

Emily Plihal
Express staff

The Smoky River Hot Shots climbed many ladders this season, making their coaches and parents were extraordinarily impressed.

The young hockey players began the season playing in the 3rd tier of the All Peace Hockey League. Shortly into the season, coaches recognized their potential to play in a higher tiered game.

“We finished the season in the third tier but our hockey league decided we should be brought up to play for the league banner in the second tier,” says manager Wendy Tokarz. “We were then placed in the second tier for the playoffs.”

The boys had the opportunity to play as a second tier team in the playoffs, where they first played against Beaverlodge to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

“The kids played their hearts out and managed to beat Beaverlodge in the two-series,” says Tokarz. “We then faced Grande Prairie in the finals.”

The first game against Grande Prairie was played in McLennan, where the Hot Shots managed to skate away with a 6 to 3 victory.

The play then went back to Grande Prairie for the second game. Once again the Hot Shots managed to hold on to the win with a 4 to 3 win against Grande Prairie.

“The second game against Grande Prairie determined who would take the banner home with them,” says Tokarz. “The kids managed to play two really solid games to bring the banner home, making themselves and their parents very proud.”

The Hot Shots played an average of two games each weekend, playing a total of 16 games throughout the season.

“Next year our team will look a little different, with five of our players moving on to Peewees,” says Tokarz. “We think next year the Hot Shots will continue to play with the same passion for the game.”

The team’s season started at the end of October, and ran until mid-March.

The team had the pleasure of hosting the Atoms C Provincials in mid-March. Because they were hosting the Provincials, the team was also able to participate in the tournament.

The provincials were held from March 13 — 15 in Falher, with eight teams from across ALberta fighting for the prestigious title of Atom C Provincial Champions.

A bid from local hockey parents proved to be the winning application to hold the annual event.

The parent committee for the application process included Tokarz, Lynn Skrepnek, Lynda Turcotte, Gilbert Owens, Crystal Zarowny, Lise Cote, and many new organizers, who will be helping throughout the process.

“The provincials were an excellent opportunity for the kids to gain more hockey experience,” says Tokarz. “The goal is to keep playing as a well-grouped team. The boys definitely have the heart for the game of hockey.”

Tokarz explains the Hot Shots were very thankful for the local support before, during and even after the provincials were played.

Next step for parents and coaches is to gear the Hot Shots up for the 2009 – 2010 hockey season.

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