AAA Sharks have been ranked as the #3 team in the country according to myhockeyrankings.com (Battlefords AAA Sharks/Facebook)

By Austin Mattes

AAA Battlefords Sharks

Top national ranking and successful start to season

Oct 1, 2024 | 4:47 PM

For the very first time, the Battlefords AAA U18 Sharks have cracked a top spot in the national girls U18 hockey rankings, gaining the rank as the third best team in the country with a record of 6-0-1 by myhockeyrankings.com

“I think it’s pretty significant as the Sharks have never been ranked nationally before. So this year, it’s due for our participation and invitation to the Fire Starter Tournament, you know it kind of put us on the map,” said Sharks Manager, Trenna Derdall.

The Calgary Firestarter Tournament is one of the biggest girl’s hockey tournaments in the country that brings in some of the top teams from Western Canada to compete.

The Sharks went 4-0-1 in the tournament that took place Sept. 12 – 15 in Calgary and grabbed the bronze medal, beating the St. Albert Raiders Slash 2-1.

The Sharks also opened up their regular season this past weekend with two games against the Weyburn Gold Wings, that started with the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Battleford Arena.

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The Sharks won the first game with a score of 4-1 and the second game 6-2 to sweep the weekend.

Head Coach of the Shark, Nolan Horbach said it’s the team’s chemistry that’s helped them be successful so far.

“I think we’re at our best when we’re connected and when we can attack as a team and defend as a team, we’re really good and I know that sounds pretty simple, but we seem to be connecting really well with and without the puck and supporting each other.”

Derdall added that it’s the commitment from the players that gives high hopes for this season.

“The girls are dedicated to their development and they’ve got a great work ethic and they’ve gelled really well. We’ve obviously have some rookies and they fit in very well and have been competing at a very high level. So we do expect the team to do very well and have a lot of success this year.”

The team also recently announced their leadership group. Danika Dureau was named Captain, Anneka Aspaas was named Assistant Captain, along with Sarah McNabb and Ayden Kehrig.

Horbach said even though the team and leadership group is young, they all understand the system.

“We’re still relatively young but the buy in has been incredible and it’s allowed our younger girls to come in and understand what they need to do… Everyone plays an important role in our team and it’s really a system that supports and brought a lot of stability and confidence.”

The Sharks are currently tied for first place in their league and look to continue their success this weekend with back-to-back games on Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 against Notre Dame at the Battlefords Arena.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes