After a thrilling Wednesday night game, the Drumheller Minor Hockey Midget Raptors are heading to provincials at the end of March.
    The 6-1 win over the Kneehill Chiefs solidified a spot for the Raptors in Coaldale to battle for the title of provincial champions in the Midget C division.
    The battle for zones began on February 7 in Three Hills. The Chiefs took the game 2-1. To advance to provincials, the Raptors would have to win on Wednesday by at least two goals, as provincial playdowns are decided by who can score the most goals in two games.
    The Raptors, undaunted, brought their best game. Right from the get go, they were in control and rapidly gained the lead. They also had some solid goaltending from Chase Kostelecky and later Liam Hilchey.
    “It’s a pretty awesome feeling. The boys played hard and worked hard all night. The first two periods we took it to them and everyone chipped in,” said head coach Tom Fournier.
    This will be the Midget Raptors second berth at provincials in as many years.
    “Some of these kids were there last year and for others, this will be their first time. It’s an awesome experience being there. Let’s hope we can carry things on to provincials and league championships,” said Fournier.
    Provincials will be held from March 21 to 24 in Coaldale. Until then, the Raptors have a busy league schedule. They are currently in a five way tie for first in their league.

    The Saint Anthony’s Saints junior high girls basketball team wrapped up their season by hosting the Christ the Redeemer School Divisional Tournament last Monday.
    The Saints invited teams from the school division and saw eight squads competing. This was the first time St. Anthony’s has hosted the school division at the new school. They won third place.
    The Saints began their tournament playing Holy Cross Collegiate from Strathmore. St. Anthony’s played well and was able to take away a win 17-6 win.
 Their second game was against the Grade 7 team from Jean Paul II Collegiate of Okotoks. The gymnasium was packed with St. Anthony’s boosters for the afternoon match. The game was an exciting match-up with back and forth action. As it came down to the wire, the Saints took a one-point lead. The game was stopped late due to an injury, and when play resumed, the Saints couldn’t regain the momentum and John Paul II scored nine points to win 24-16.
    This tournament spelled the end of the season for the young team, and they showed improvement throughout the year.
    “We didn’t have any goals for wins or tournaments. Our goal was to be in a spot by the end of the year to have a chance to be in the final at our home tournament, and we did that,” said coach Gavin Makse. “Our goal was to get better individually and as a team and appreciate and learn the game of basketball.”
    The Saints did not make championship night. This week the red hot Morrin junior high girls team will be taking on Delia for the league championship.