The Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks head into the weekend with a chance to win both the Mandi Schwartz Memorial Tournament and Calgary Firestarter in the same year. (Byron Hildebrand Photography/Facebook)

By Ryan Lambert

Mandi Schwartz Memorial Tournament

Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks preparing for Mandi Schwartz Memorial Tournament in Wilcox

Dec 9, 2025 | 2:18 PM

Starting on Dec. 11, the Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks will be in Wilcox, Saskatchewan to take place in the Mandi Schwartz Memorial tournament which is the largest female tournament in Western Canada.

The Sharks have high hopes heading into the tournament after winning the Calgary Firestarter Tournament earlier this year and carrying that into a 12-0-2-1 (W-L-OTW-OTL) record so far in the SFU18AAAHL. However, Sharks head coach Nolan Horbach knows the level of competition they will be facing.

“Red Deer plays physical. Eastman, they were Manitoba’s representative last year and they’re off to a great start this year. So, they’ll be tough. Shawnigan [will] be our final game in the pool play. We lost to them in the semifinals last year,” said Horbach. “It’s going to be a good test, good competition and it’s kind of exactly what we want to see at this time of year.”

Horbach talked about how they know that there’s going to be scouts at the tournament and many of the players will have an opportunity to prove themselves individually. While he knows the team is ready to face that head on, he doesn’t want that to distract them from sticking with the team play that makes them so successful.

“We’re not going to pretend that the scouts or anything else are not there. It’s not a distraction, but we want to focus a lot on understanding that if you want to be recognized, play as a team. Play together, have success together and ultimately, that’s what gets recognized. Nobody’s watching a team that doesn’t win.”

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

Ferland earns Grey Cup ring

'A wonderful human being': High school coach thrilled Logan Ferland is a Grey Cup champion

Nov 17, 2025

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

North Battleford funds early work to launch $80.2M arena and event centre fundraising campaign

Nov 17, 2025

The Sharks coach went further into what could be recognized by scouts.

“They want to watch the teams that know how to get it done and see how they could potentially see a prospect that could fit into their system and understand the game.”

“The firestarter is always a good test to see where you might be at, and I think we proved we’ve got something really good here. All we’ve done since is progress. So now I think we’re looking to, I wouldn’t even say prove ourselves but keep the momentum rolling and really force ourselves to play as a team,” said Horbach.

Horbach reiterated his belief that the team can compete with anyone they face, and mentioned that the challenge is doing that over the course of “what’s going to be a busy few days.”

While the Sharks have gotten invites to tournaments in the USA and Eastern Canada, this is the last major tournament they will be going to this season.

“After that, we focus on the league and get ready for what is hopefully a good playoff stretch,” said Horbach.

The Sharks kick off the tournament on Dec. 11 against the Sutter Fund Chiefs out of Red Deer.

—

Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com