Just over a week ago, Niverville’s Bryelle Muntain and her teammates did more than just win a hockey tournament—they made history for Manitoba.
Competing at the prestigious War for the Roses tournament at West Edmonton Mall, the Manitoba Junior Ice became the first team from this province to ever win the event. It’s a groundbreaking achievement that should turn heads across Manitoba and inspire the next generation of young female athletes.
Often compared to the legendary BRICK Invitational for boys, War for the Roses showcases top-tier U13 girls talent from across North America. Many players who compete here are expected to go on to play at the NCAA or U Sports level, with some even reaching the PWHL or representing their countries at the Olympics.
“I was so lucky to be able to play in such a cool tournament,” Bryelle says. “We played against the best teams and players in North America.”
The tournament was unlike any other. Played in the heart of Canada’s largest shopping centre, the setting itself brought some unique challenges—and some unforgettable moments.
“The sun shines through the glass roof and can get pretty warm sometimes, so that brought an added challenge to the game,” says Bryelle. “We kind of prayed for clouds while we were playing so it wasn’t too, too warm.”
Despite the heat, the open atmosphere added to the magic.
“Our families and friends got to stand right next to the ice surface,” she adds. “When we would score, they would reach over the glass to high five us… that was super cool.”
The team didn’t just rely on talent. They came prepared, both mentally and physically. From practices to pre-game routines, the Junior Ice were locked in from the start.
“We had a lot of practices before the tournament, so we knew each other well. Many of us have played together in previous years, and our coaches knew how to get us ready. They were awesome.”
Off the ice, team bonding played a major role. They ate meals together, did team activities, and even brought small gifts—like sunglasses, bracelets, and keychains—to exchange with each other.
And when it was time to hit the ice, that chemistry translated into results.
“We all had the same goal: to win War for the Roses,” she said. “We wanted to win for each other, not just for ourselves.”
From the first puck drop to the final buzzer, the Junior Ice played with discipline, unity, and heart. They defeated the Western Selects Girls 1–0 in a tightly contested final. Olivia Roberts stopped all 23 shots in net while Lilian Wang scored the game’s only goal in the second period.
The tournament ended with a special tradition: a jersey swap between all the teams, where players traded jerseys with girls from opposing teams as a keepsake and sign of mutual respect.
With gold medals around their necks and their names now part of the tournament’s history, Bryelle and her teammates are proud of what they’ve accomplished.
“Making Manitoba history is pretty cool,” Bryelle says. “It’s something we’ll remember.”