It wasn't the ending that the U17 AAA Rangers wanted at provincials last weekend.
The club won three of their four round-robin games, with the other being a tie, to qualify for the gold medal on Easter Sunday (Apr. 9).
Their opponent was the Okotoks Oilers, who the Rangers had beaten 10-5 during round-robin play.
It was the Oilers who opened the scoring about midway through the opening period and, despite a late push with the empty net, it wound up as the only goal scored in the championship game. The Rangers couldn't overcome an early deficit and bowed out with a silver medal after a 1-0 loss.
A frustrating way to end such an incredible season that saw the Rangers take first place after the regular season and two dominant sweeps in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Though disappointing, it should be noted that it is an improvement on the club's bronze medal finish from last season.
Fort Saskatchewan's big guns had some great results at the tournament. Evin Bossel was tied for first in scoring with nine points in just five games. Kale Dach followed closely behind tied for second with seven points in that same span.
In goal, Gage Roberts of the Rangers was a brick wall. He finished second in the tournament with a .949 save percentage and first with a 1.58 goals-against average.
The club also had some of the top rookies at provincials, with Dach leading the pack and both Jaden Kokosha and Chayse King cracking the top five in rookie scoring.
Notably, the tournament was also the last game behind the bench for head coach Mason Hawkes, who will be moving up to the U18 AAA level next season.
A replacement for Hawkes is expected to be announced sometime over the spring or summer.