At the beginning of the year, the St. Albert Slash probably weren't seen on paper as a contending hockey team.
But after winning the Mac's midget AAA tournament in Calgary by a score of 6-2 against the host Flyers, the rest of the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League has been put on notice — the Slash are for real.
Coming into the season, the youngest team in the league had 11 players who were just 15 years old and Karly Heffernan (born 1996) powered her way into midget earlier than expected. Despite their youth and league record (10-7-6 for third place in the north), the Slash exploded out of the gates at the Mac’s by scoring first in every game en route to a 5-0-1 overall record, culminating in Friday’s championship victory at the Pengrowth Saddledome. They didn’t lose a game after tying the Red Deer Chiefs 4-4 in the opening contest after trailing 4-1 after two periods.
“As a team, we never felt we were out of a game,” said head coach Terry Sydor.
Needing only a point to advance into the playoff round, the Slash headed into their final round robin game against the Calgary Chaos, who were knocked out of playoff contention and had nothing to lose. The Slash kept their cool and pounded out a 5-1 decision on the strength of two goals by captain Melissa Kueber and singles by Teagan Rose, Angie Mason and Krystal Reithmayer. Tyler Lisitza faced 17 shots in the win.
In the semifinals against the north division-leading Edmonton Thunder (15-4-3), the same team that beat the Slash four straight times in regular season play before the tournament, St. Albert prevailed 5-2.
“It was important for our confidence,” said Jessica Kampjes, the tournament MVP and first team all-star forward. “If we can beat them, we can probably beat anybody because they're one of the best in the league and we beat them when the time was right.”
Kampjes lit up the Thunder with four goals and Rose also tallied for St. Albert on just 14 shots directed at the Thunder net. Emily Mitchell shut the door, making 32 saves.
“In the pre-game speech I just really tried to calm the nerves,” Sydor said.
After getting an early lead, the Slash gave up a power play immediately after and then a major penalty in the third period when Kueber slashed the ankle of a Thunder player.
“If they scored on that power play it would have been a different game. We anticipated every move and they got a bit flustered. Then we killed the major in the third and that’s when the girls dug deep and found a way,” Sydor said. “The girl went down like she was shot by a sniper. Kueber must have hit her in just the wrong spot.”
Sydor said special teams and the rest of his staff were critical for the Slash throughout the tournament and again in the final against the Flyers.
“Our power play was working really well all tournament. It was a statement to them that if they take a penalty, we'll bury it. Our penalty kill was so strong as well. We couldn't win without them, nor the assistant coaches. They just do an incredible job. They were as on as the girls were, helping out with line changes, adjustments, tactical set-ups ... it was a lot of fun.”
Kampjes struck again for two more goals in the final against the Flyers, while Heffernan, Kueber, Reithmayer and Taryn McCormick rounded out the scoring. Lisitza was strong between the pipes, stopping all but two of the 37 shots she faced.
“It was really nerve-wracking playing that game in the Saddledome. You had to block it out and keep the game in your head and not the distractions around you,” said Kampjes, who plays on a line with Kueber, a second team all-star forward.
Being named the tournament MVP helped Kampjes realize just how hard you have to work to be an elite player.
“It was really exciting. It was a boost that I know now I can do it and what I have to do to work towards that. You have to stay focused, make sure you get your sleep and eat properly and keep working on your individual skills, like watching video to see what you can do better.”
“Jess was strong game-in and game-out, no matter what the situation was,” added Sydor. “When her and Kueber get the puck and get speed going, it's fun to watch. If it's not a finesse move — it's pure power. Two-on-one with those two, it's a goal.”
The Slash return to league play Saturday as they host the Chaos (9-11-4) at 4 p.m. at Performance Arena. Sunday’s game against the visiting Sherwood Park Fury (8-11-3) starts at 12:45 p.m.
