CANORA – With a roster stocked by players from nine different area communities, The U18 Parkland Prairie Ice female hockey team opened its season against the visiting Moose Jaw Canucks on Nov. 7.
The Ice played the Canucks even for the first and third periods, but the game was pretty much decided in the middle 20 minutes. The Canucks scored four second period goals and were on their way to a 4-0 victory.
Ice Head Coach Nicole Korpusik said the girls were fighting opening game jitters as the first period got underway.
“Absolutely!” said Korpusik. ”There were a lot of nerves that impacted our game against Moose Jaw, but girls held it together very well.”
The Mavericks opened the scoring early in the second period when the Ice found themselves attempting to kill off a five-on-three power play.
"The five on three wasn't a great scenario to be in but our girls are very aggressive on the penalty kill," said Korpusik, "and despite the goal, it showed us the intensity we needed to keep up with playing in this new age division.”
Korpusik said, after a difficult second period, she was proud of the way the Ice bounced back in the third.
“We learn from our mistakes and pull each other up! The girls started to gain confidence and were getting used to their new line mates and defense partners. Things were starting to click.”
In spite of the loss, goalie Ty Northrop of Norquay had a strong game in goal, stopping numerous Grade A Moose Jaw chances.
“Ty is our anchor,” said Korpusik “She's our calm in the storm. She faced a lot of shots and kept us in a position were we felt like we could come back, she helps us keep the hope alive!”
She said the team showed signs that they have something positive to build on as the season continues.
“I think we overcame our nerves, we did very well moving the puck on the power play, like I mentioned before we showed great intensity in the penalty kill and we also played hard right until the last second.
“Going forward, we need to see the whole ice, go outside our comfort zone, get creative and continue to play with intensity.”
In order to string a few wins together, the Ice will have to find a way improve their offensive production.
“We need to work on our support and positioning as well as our ability to maintain possession,” said Korpusik. “We need to get more pucks to the net if we want to score!”
Although technically a U18 team, the Ice roster also includes U15 players.
“Luckily our younger players are very mature and the age difference within our team hasn't been an issue. The girls seem to have a good vibe going and we'll continue to build on that throughout the season,” concluded Korpusik.
Members of the 2025/26 Parkland Prairie Ice U18 female hockey team are: Sieanna Cote, Vierrah Cadotte, Kelsey Keshane, Tahlia Keshane and Khloe Whitehawk of Cote First Nation; Ryea Harper, Tessica Mydonick and Chloe Doogan of Canora; Morgan Olson, Rylee Coleman and Makayla Johnson of Sturgis; Baylee Beres, Isobelle Smith and Clara Barlow of Yorkton; Camryn Kosokowsky and Isobella Marsh of Kamsack; Alyssa Werner and Elli Vogel of Theodore; Ty Northrop of Norquay; Mackena Kriger of Springside, and Leah Braun of Swan River.
Team staff members are: Nicole Korpusik of Norquay (head coach); Greg Smith of Yorkton, JJ Johnson of Sturgis, Jess Harper of Canora and Travis Werner of Theodore (assistant coaches); Bowdrie Northrop of Norquay (trainer); Lisa Kosokowsky of Kamsack (team manager); Jen Kriger of Theodore (task master); Amie Coleman of Sturgis (webmaster) and Andrea Marsh of Kamsack (equipment).
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