Shannon Coulter
The Westman Wildcats were the first Esso Cup champions in 2009. Thirteen years later, the Wildcats are seeking their second trip to Canada’s National Women’s U18 Club Championship at the West Regional. Westman lost just once in the Manitoba Female Hockey League (MFHL) playoffs, sweeping its first series against the Central Plain Capitals and the final against the Winnipeg Ice to claim the MFHL title. Grace Glover led the way in goal, posting a .945 save percentage and 1.45 goals-against average on her way to being named MFHL playoff MVP.
Like the Wildcats, the Notre Dame Hounds’ last appearance in the Esso Cup resulted in a national title in 2011. With Kyra Anderson’s game-winning goal in a thrilling 1-0 double-overtime Game 4 performance, the Hounds clinched their first Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League title since 2012. Anderson was Notre Dame’s leading scorer in playoffs, registering five goals and four assists. The Hounds enter the regional series seeking their third appearance in the Esso Cup.
RECENT CHAMPIONS (ESSO CUP FINISH) 2019 – Saskatoon Stars (fourth place) 2018 – Saskatoon Stars (silver medal) 2017 – Prince Albert Bears (fifth place) 2016 – Saskatoon Stars (fourth place) 2015 (SK) – Saskatoon Stars (bronze medal) 2015 (MB) – Central Plains Capitals (fourth place)
WESTMAN WILDCATS MFHL CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 17-8-2 (3rd in MFHL) Goals for: 79 Goals against: 63 Leading scorer: Callie Rice (11G 9A 20P)
Playoff record: 9-1 Goals for: 35 Goals against: 17 Leading scorer: Callie Rice (7G 6A 13P)
ROAD TO THE WEST REGIONAL Quarterfinal: defeated Central Plains Capitals 3-0 (5-0, 3-2, 4-2) Semifinal: defeated Yellowhead Chiefs 3-1 (3-5, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1) Final: defeated Winnipeg Ice 3-0 (3-2, 3-1, 5-2)
Last national championship appearance: 2009 (gold medal) Total national championship appearances: 1 (2009)
NOTRE DAME HOUNDS SFU18AAAHL CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 26-2-2 (1st in SFU18AAAHL) Goals for: 114 Goals against: 42 Leading scorer: Ryann Perrett (16G 30A 46P)
Playoff record: 6-2 Goals for: 22 Goals against: 14 Leading scorer: Kyra Anderson (5G 4A 9P)
ROAD TO THE WEST REGIONAL Semifinal: defeated Saskatoon Stars 3-1 (4-0, 3-2, 3-4, 4-2) Final: defeated Regina Rebels 3-1 (3-4, 2-1, 2-1, 1-0)
Last national championship appearance: 2011 (gold medal) Total national championship appearances: 2 (2010, 2011)