In a season marked by grit, growth, and grit again, the
Saugeen Shores U11c Girls hockey team defied the odds and claimed their place
at the top—bringing home the Provincial Championship banner that will now hang
proudly at the Plex in Port Elgin.
Thirteen girls. One team. One incredible journey.
This wasn’t just about skill—it was about sacrifice, resilience, and unshakable belief. Behind the scenes were parents who juggled schedules and made endless trips—often with two or three young athletes in tow (not just their own)-to practices, games, and tournaments, ensuring these girls had every chance to succeed. Coaches went above and beyond, committing hours of extra time to run additional practices and off-ice strategy sessions, all to help the team find its edge.
Throughout the season, Saugeen Shores was often overlooked—underestimated by opponents and rarely in the spotlight. But that narrative changed in dramatic fashion at Provincials, where the girls played with the heart of champions.
The road to Provincials began with the grueling playdowns—each team in their loop faced off twice in a battle for limited spots at the year-end championship. Every game mattered, and every shift counted. The Saugeen Shores U11C girls brought their trademark determination and relentless work ethic to the rink, game after game.
Through grit, teamwork, and consistent performance, they emerged at the top of their loop, finishing first and securing their place among the elite in the provincial tournament. The stage was now set: a 16-team, four-division bracket featuring the best of the best from across the province. And Saugeen Shores was ready to prove they belonged.
So the Tournament began, and with only one game scheduled on the tournament’s opening day at the Canlan arena in Scarborough, a strong start was essential. The girls rose to the challenge with grit and intensity, facing off against one of the top-ranked teams in the province—the Twin Centre Hericanes.
In a nail-biting contest that tested their resilience, Saugeen Shores battled to a gutsy 3-2 victory. It was a statement win, earned through hustle, smart play, and sheer determination. That hard-fought triumph didn’t just put points on the board—it set the tone for the rest of the tournament
After a night of reflection, a team swim, a team meal, and a late-night strategy session from the dedicated coaching staff, the girls were back at it early Saturday morning for an 8:15 a.m. puck drop.
In their second matchup, they faced the Woodstock Wildcats (#6863)—and Saugeen Shores came out flying. With confidence, cohesion, and unrelenting pressure, they took control early and never looked back, skating to a dominant 7-3 victory. The message was clear: the fire was still burning, and this team wasn’t finished yet
With a seven-hour gap between games, managing time off the ice became just as important as performing on it. Rest and recovery were key—but so was staying mentally locked in. Some players took the opportunity to shop, others caught a movie, and a few simply relaxed and reflected on the day’s earlier performance. No matter how they spent the break, when game time rolled around, every player was ready.
The third matchup was a high-stakes, winner-moves-on battle against the East Ottawa Stars. With laser-sharp focus and unwavering determination, Saugeen Shores stepped onto the ice and delivered a statement performance—skating to a commanding 6-1 victory. The win secured their place in the semi-finals, and the team was peaking at just the right time.
With the semi-finals set for 8 a.m. Sunday morning—and the venue shifting to the iconic Chesswood Arena—the focus turned to preparation, both physical and mental. The girls were encouraged to rest, refuel with a good meal, and take a moment to reflect on how far they had come. The coaches, ever supportive and grounded, reminded them of the journey—from the very first practice to this point on the provincial stage. No matter what happened next, they had already achieved something special.
But the story wasn’t over yet.
Next up: a familiar and formidable foe, the Wingham 86ers—a team that had posed problems in the past. But this time, Saugeen Shores was ready. Fueled by belief and backed by strong teamwork, the girls took to the ice with purpose. They battled with tenacity, matched every challenge, and came out on top with a hard-earned 4-2 victory. The win sealed their spot in the championship final—and set the stage for one final showdown.
With only a few hours between the semi-final and the championship game, recovery was short—but the motivation was sky-high. The goal was now within reach: win it all.
The stage was set for a thrilling rematch against the Woodstock Wildcats (#6862), one of the province’s top-ranked teams and the very squad that had eliminated Saugeen Shores in the semi-finals of a previous tournament. But this time, the outcome would be different.
Saugeen Shores hit the ice with fire in their skates and belief in their hearts. Fueled by energy, determination, and an unbreakable bond, they came out flying—netting two quick goals and grabbing early momentum with a 2-0 lead.
The game evolved into a fast-paced battle, with both teams exchanging chances, but Saugeen Shores never broke. With a lockdown team defense and a stellar, clutch performance between the pipes, they held strong until the final buzzer.
When it sounded, the celebration began.
And just like that—underdogs no more—Saugeen Shores were crowned provincial champions.
For these young athletes, the win means more than medals or a banner. It’s proof that hard work, selflessness, and teamwork pay off. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime.
Throughout the season—and especially during the high-stakes moments of the provincial tournament—Saugeen Shores’ offensive firepower was on full display. Leading the charge were Eva McDonald, Bria Wall, and Sutton Johnston, whose skill, speed, and scoring instincts helped set the pace and energize the team game after game. But this was far from being a 3 trick show. Huge offensive contributions came from the rest of the forward group—Verity Wake, Chloe Kealey, Ruby Moss, Kyrie Gavey, and Jacqui Seaman—each of whom brought hustle, heart, and key plays that proved vital in the team’s championship run.
Anchoring the back end was a fearless and relentless defensive corps. Andi Fernandes, Alex Pepin, Stella Stone, and Sloane Doherty consistently rose to the challenge—playing aggressively, forcing turnovers, and protecting their zone with grit and confidence. Their steady presence gave the team the balance and backbone it needed to compete at the highest level.
And no story of this championship run would be complete without shining a spotlight on the team’s backbone between the pipes—Teagan Hennessy, affectionately known as The Queen.
Game after game, Teagan delivered when it mattered most. With calm consistency, lightning-fast reflexes, and an unshakable presence in net, she came up big in the biggest moments—making clutch saves that kept the team in tight games and sealed key victories. Her confidence and composure radiated through the team, allowing everyone to play with belief and boldness.
Behind the bench, the coaching staff pushed the girls to grow—not just as players, but as teammates. From running extra practices to reinforcing fundamentals, asking players to repeat drills or even take on new positions, they set a high bar. And each time, the girls responded with positivity, openness, and a team-first attitude.
It was, as the coaches proudly put it, an absolute pleasure to coach this group.
Of course, behind every great team is a community of support—and for Saugeen Shores, the families were second to none. Their dedication was unwavering throughout the season, but it was never more evident or inspiring than at Provincials.
Armed with signs, noisemakers, and an endless supply of enthusiasm, the families brought energy to every game, filling the stands with cheers, encouragement, and unwavering pride. Whether it was early mornings, long drives, or nail-biting finishes, they showed up—loud, proud, and all-in.
Their presence wasn’t just heard—it was felt. And it made all the difference.
So as that championship banner goes up at the Plex, it stands not just as a symbol of victory, but as a reminder of what can be achieved when a team, family and community comes together with one goal and gives it everything they have.
Talent wins games—but hard work and dedication win championships
Written by: Eric Fernandes