Picture Butte Hockey action: Novice Serfas and the Atom A Blades

Picture Butte Blades Novice Serfas
The Across the Border Tournament in Whitefish, MT for the Picture Butte Blades Novice Serfas team almost didn’t happen with road closures and uncertain weather for travel day. The team managed to make it down in one piece to play recently against the Calgary Chiefs.
Sadly, the Blades lost but had more hockey to look forward to. The tournament this year added another fun element with an outdoor game in Kalispell, MT.
Sunshine was their companion, as the Blades took on the Okotoks Derricks and managed a win in regulation time. A switch in venue saw the Blades play again in Whitefish against the Missoula Bruins.
A win that game guaranteed their spot in the third place game against Medicine Hat. A win early ensured the kids ended the tournament on a high note and earning some great participation medals.
Picture Butte Atom B Blades
Action packed home tournament play is how the Picture Butte Blades Atom B team ended up winning a silver medal Feb 3-5.
The Friday night was a win against the Crossfield Icehawks. Points were had by Connor O’Donnell (two goals), Luka Rudelich (two goals), Tanner Quinn (two goals), Leland Fraser, Riley VanZeggelaar, Kyle Harrington, Grady McLeod, and Hector Peralta.
Saturday against the Beiseker Blazers also resulted in a win with points had by Connor O’Donnell (three goals), Luka Rudelich (three goals), Tanner Quinn (two goals), Leland Fraser (two goals), Riley VanZeggelaar, Ben Kress, Grady McLeod, and Hector Peralta.
Sunday was the A Final game for gold/silver. A tough game against the Lethbridge Scorpions ended up in a loss, but a silver medal for the Blades.
Points were had by Connor O’Donnell (two goals), Tanner Quinn (two goals), Hector Peralta, Riley VanZeggelaar, and Leeland Fraser. Standing tough in the net was Kaden Groenenboom for all three games. Special awards were handed out at every game for the MVP and Hustler.
These were awarded to Connor O’Donnell (MVP), Asher Sincennes (Hustler), Luka Rudelich (MVP), Grady McLeod (Hustler), Tanner Quinn (MVP), and Riley VanZeggelaar (Hustler).
The last weekend of league play recently was with the Blades playing against all their league opponents in a last minute bid for standings.
One game was a nail-biter of a win against Raymond. Back and forth goals ended up with points for Luka Rudelich (two goals), Riley VanZeggelaar (two goals), Connor O’Donnell, Hector Peralta, Grady McLeod, and Asher Sincennes.
A win against Cardston had the weekend shaping up for a sweep. Points were had by Connor O’Donnell (five goals), Riley VanZeggelaar (five goals), Kyle Harrington (five goals), Luka Rudelich (four goals), Grady McLeod (two goals), Asher Sincennes (two goals), Kaden Groenenboom (two goals), Tanner Quinn, Hector Peralta, Clara Slomp, and a noteworthy seven helpers from Leeland Fraser.
During their third game of the weekend, it was a tough loss with Taber squeezing out a win.
Points in a high excitement game were had by Connor O’Donnell (four goals), Grady McLeod (two goals), Luka Rudelich, Tanner Quinn, Kaden Groenenboom, Hector Peralta, Leeland Fraser and Clara Slomp. Goaltending for the weekend was a team effort with Kaden Groenenboom, Ben Kress and Kyle Harrington showing the league their skills.