Photos by Bode Hofhuis
The Jasper U13 Bears and U15 Bearcats went border-to-border last weekend for the final round of hockey playoffs and a chance to qualify for the provincial finals at the end of the month.
Following a successful first playoff round, both teams travelled from Jasper (25 km east of B.C.) all the way to the Saskatchewan border.
Two weekends ago, in Whitecourt, the U13 Bears cruised through the first round of playoffs by eliminating three of their opponents. Hinton won the other western playoff, leaving these two Rocky Mountain rivals hitting the road this past weekend to play in Edgerton/Chauvin—against the host team, and then versus Cold Lake, the two Beasts of the East.
A harrowing weekend filled with tight, nail-biting games resulted in the Bears finishing in second place in the league, just behind Hinton. Both Jasper and Hinton punched their tickets to the U13 Tier 4 provincials in Grande Cache the weekend of March 21-24. You can follow the games live at https://www.facebook.com/paco.artiaga
Meanwhile, the U15 Bearcats also made short work of their western division compatriots and travelled to Elk Point and Lloydminster this weekend for their final playoff round. They pulled out a third place finish.
Not to be outdone, the U11 Bears host the first round of their divisional playoffs at the Jasper Arena this weekend, March 15-17. Come on down and show your support.
With luck, a few more banners will be hoisted in the Jasper Arena later this spring.
Lucas Habib // info@thejasperlocal.com
