Two Swift Current Innovation Federation Credit Union Wildcats have helped Team Saskatchewan to a 2-1 record at the Hockey Canada U18 Women's National Championship in New Brunswick.
Defenceman Rayna Hennie and right winger Raela Packet suited up as Saskatchewan beat Alberta 5-2 yesterday and finished the preliminary round in 2nd place for Group A.
"We played really well as a team and we responded to whenever they scored," Hennie said. "We use each other very well. We moved the puck really quick, and we just kept the tempo and just show what Sask is like, who we are and showed them what we can do."
Saskatchewan has been focusing on their teamwork as they've built some chemistry through the week.
"As the week's gone along, we've definitely started using each other better," Packet said. "We're just trusting each other more and moving the puck quicker. You know, we're getting used to the speed of the tournament, and yeah, we've just gotten a lot better."
The speed is something that really stood out to Packet.
"The pace is just unreal," she noted. "Like there's so many just skilled, skilled girls all around the tournament and I'm excited to take it back to my club team and learn from this experience."
Packet has been spending a lot of time on the penalty kill and enjoying that process, while Hennie gets some important minutes on the power play.
"I definitely feel like I've like proven myself that like I can be that offensive defence that they can rely on," Hennie said. "I definitely feel like I become faster and responded quicker to the play and the like, the fast level and the intensity."
It's been nice for the Wildcats teammates to go through the event together. They've even been rooming together.
"It's really fun having her support," Hennie said. "Just like knowing that she's also gonna go through this and... just makes the whole experience a lot better."
Saskatchewan plays Ontario Team Blue in the quarterfinals tomorrow.