After two years of pandemic interruptions, Clipper Ice Sports is both happy and relieved to lower the curtain on yet another successful season of local minor hockey—a season that was allowed to be played from start to finish.
Undoubtedly a major highlight of the year was breaking in the new CRRC and keeping it busy throughout the winter.
Home Tournaments
This year, the Clippers were able to host three large tournaments—for the U9, U11, and U13 age groups.
According to Travis Mason, spokesperson for Clipper Ice Sports, the U11 and U13 tournaments were larger than anything CIS had hosted in the past. This was only possible on account of being able to use both the CRRC and the Centennial Arena.
Although the season was largely a great one for everyone involved, the pandemic did get in the way of at least one planned tournament.
“Our U9 tournament was cancelled when restrictions were put back in place in January,” says Mason. “Originally we had almost 30 teams registered.”
Instead CIS hosted a scaled-down tournament, bringing in 12 teams and running the entire event in the CRRC, using the new half-boards the organization purchased this year, allowing the tournament organizers to run two games at the same time.
“The new half-boards were able to give the U9s a full arena feel,” Mason says. “The Clippers U9B and U9C both made it to the finals and fought hard, but both teams came away with silver medals.”
In particular, Mason says Sherisse Fast, Ester Raftis, and Kevin Boone should be thanked—as well as the many other volunteers who put in the time to help these youngest Clippers make lasting memories.
Most recently, the U13A Clippers hosted the U13AA provincials, from March 11–13. Visiting teams hailed from Thompson, Dauphin, Morden, Carman, Macdonald, Ste. Anne, and Rat River.
“The hometown Clippers didn’t have the success they were hoping for, as they went 1–2 in the round robin, which didn’t qualify them for the medals round,” says Mason. “Macdonald beat Thompson in the finals to claim the gold medal, as Morden captured the bronze by beating Dauphin in a close battle.”
The biggest highlight of the weekend was the opening ceremonies, which showcased the Sons of the Drum group alongside a traditional dancer.
The ceremonies also included some pyro, lasers, and smoke for the added touch.
“It was an honour to have Niverville’s own Jared Funk, a three-time Canadian Paralympian medallist, perform the ceremonial puck drop to start the game between Niverville and Ste. Anne,” Mason adds. “A huge thank you to all the businesses who helped support this event, as the feedback was amazing from all visitors who attended.”
Regular Season
Several teams competed for banners this year. The U11A team beat Mitchell in a best-of-three series to win their banner.
The U11B had a great season as well, although they weren’t fortunate enough to play in the finals. The U11C team went 3–3 in the playoffs.
The U13A Clippers enjoyed great success in league play, and then went on to defeat Rat River two games to zero in the playoffs to advance to the championship finals which saw them take on Kenora. They closed out that series in game four in front of an energized home crowd.
“The team set a goal on day one of the season to win the banner, and it was amazing to watch the team grow as the year went on,” says Mason. “They played one of their most complete games in game four in which they beat Kenora 4–0. Levi Brandt stood tall in the final two games, making big saves when his team needed him most. Trae Worrell found the back of the net twice, and Hayden Hydyk and Maddex Mason chipped in with one goal each.”
As for the U13B squad, they found themselves battling their rivals, the Springfield Winterhawks, in a best-of-three final series. Despite fighting hard, they lost two very tight games. Their final regular season record was an impressive 9–2–2.
The U13C Clippers finished round robin play 2–3, falling short of the C finals.
Another team which fell short despite strong effort was the U15 Clippers, who finished their playoffs 2–3–1. They had a 2–9–5 record in the regular season, having played shorthanded most of the year due to injured players.
Finally, the U18 team had a great regular season, finishing 12–4–1. Unfortunately, they hit a roadblock in the playoffs, losing to La Broquerie in the first round. They also competed in provincials, going 3–0 in the round robin but coming up short against Rat River 4–1 in the finals.
“It was great to get a full season in this year, and wonderful to see the smiling faces of the players, coaches, and fans,” Mason says. “I’m excited to have the Nighhawks coming to town next season, as it opens the door for so many new opportunities for our program to work with the Junior A team. Having these players as mentors for our kids to show them that hard work, commitment, and practice does pay off will be huge for the community. Also, having them be a part of our program, giving back to the game and our community, will be great.”
Clipper Ice Sports wishes to thank all the volunteers, coaches, managers, board members, and arena staff who helped to provide such a wonderful experience for local youth this winter.
