U11AA Canes capture South Division banner, advance to provincial stage

By Lethbridge Herald on March 24, 2025.

SUBMITTED PHOTO SUBMITTED PHOTO The Lethbridge Hurricanes U11AA team are headed to the provincial tournament after winning the South Division banner over the weekend.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes U11AA hockey team continue to role this season as they inched closer to a provincial banner this past weekend.

The Canes swept the Red Deer Chiefs in the South Division Playoffs to take home the South Division banner and that earned them a berth in this weekend’s provincial tournament in Strathmore.

Lethbridge beat the Chiefs 3-1 on Friday at home before winning the banner with a 5-0 win on Saturday in Red Deer.

“It’s just a huge accomplishment for the whole team,” said Riley Parker, U11AA Canes head coach.

The team had goals set all year long with the main one being to get to provincials.

“There was lots of little goals along the way to get there, and we’ve challenged the boys to step up and accomplish their goals along the way and they’ve answered numerous times,” said Parker.

Parker saw it as being tough for a strong team like the Canes to have the challenge of facing adversities throughout the playoffs.

“So when you get to big games and they are challenged, it’s a huge accomplishment for them to meet these goals and step up and win these important games,” said Parker.

This U11AA Lethbridge team was the first ever to earn a provincials berth from the city at that level.

“To set the bar high going forward for the rest of Lethbridge Minor Hockey, it’s a huge accomplishment,” said Parker.

“We’re representing Lethbridge, we’re representing our age division and I think these guys have done a great job of it and it means tons to the team.”

The Canes swept Taber in the first round in two games before having to go to three games with the Medicine Hat Hounds on route to the South Division final.

The key for the Hurricanes at provincials will be to play a complete game.

“So as long as we show up with our best effort and everyone comes to play, I think that we have a very good chance this weekend,” said Parker.

The U11AA provincial runs Thursday through Sunday in Strathmore and the schedule can be found at https://www.u11aa.ca/stats/schedule.

The South Division Banner is latest addition to list of accomplishments for the team this season  that included a 24-0 regular season, winning a 36-team tournament in Saskatoon, being the first winners of an inaugural 48-team Showcase tournament in Leduc and winning their conference and division.

“I think it’s just their drive and determination to just be on top and  be winners,” said Parker.