The Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks will have a bye in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. (Image Credit: Byron Hildebrand Photography/Facebook)

By Ryan Lambert

first round bye

Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks reflect on clinching first place

Feb 20, 2026 | 7:02 AM

After a weekend sweep over Swift Current, the Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks have clinched the first-place spot in the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League, as well as a first-round bye in the playoffs. They currently have a record of 20-1-3-1 and sit 17 points clear of the second place Regina Rebels. 

Sharks head coach Nolan Horbach said this was a goal the team had set for the year.

“More importantly, I guess we look at it as how we achieved it, and I think we played the right way consistently for a lot of the season. That, I think more than anything, put us in a good spot to get where we are and where we’re trying to get to.” 

One thing that has helped the Sharks is the return of team captain Danika Dureau, who had six points (3G-3A) in the two games she’s played since returning to the lineup for the Sharks. 

“To have her back and play some significant minutes and make an immediate impact was huge,” said Horbach.

first round bye

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With the team stepping up in her absence, Dureau’s return lets players settle back into their roles and makes them even more positive about their depth than before.  

“I think it makes us deeper, more confident knowing that it’s not up to one or two individuals or even a line. It’s just knowing that as one line continues to, you know, create opportunities, we got another one ready to roll out.” 

One concern for a team clinching the top spot with a few games left in the season could be going into cruise control and getting cold heading into playoffs. However, Horbach wants to make sure to keep the play on point to avoid that, and he knows the team is on the same page.  

“(We) got a lot of pride in the group as far as the girls don’t like to lose. So I’m not worried that we won’t show up. It’s like I said, it’s just about making sure everyone’s on the same page, and we keep pushing this thing forward,” he said. “Trying to keep everybody at the top of their game, and yet, like I say, with a focus on execution.” 

With five games left in the regular season, the Sharks will finish off the campaign before enjoying a first-round bye and getting back to action as they look to bring home the first championship in Sharks history. 

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com