32 teams, 600 players, parents, friends, and fans—there’s no finer way to finish years in minor hockey than the Yelnats Cup.
The uniquely Cochrane U18 tournament has wrapped up for the 23rd time, once again earning plenty of praise for Cochrane Minor Hockey.
"It was amazing," says coordinator Angela Sellwood. "There were a lot of compliments; lots of teams want to come back next year. Every year, it's the same—they talk about how they've never seen a tournament that’s so amazing and does such a great job honoring the graduates."
The Yelnats Cup takes the time to salute both the players and those who have supported them throughout their minor hockey journey. Commemorative towels were presented to all 179 graduating players in the tournament, accompanied by a heartfelt speech each time they were handed out.
"This is more than just the end of a chapter; it is the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and passion. These players have poured their hearts into this sport, forging friendships, embracing challenges, and creating memories that will last a lifetime."
It also acknowledges the parents and supporters who played a crucial role in the journey.
"Behind every stride on the ice, every early morning practice, and every hard-fought battle stood an unwavering support system—parents who sacrificed, siblings who cheered, grandparents who beamed with pride, and coaches who guided with wisdom and encouragement."
The event also serves as a fundraiser and is estimated to have raised $10,000 to give back to the community.
A portion of the funds is used to award three scholarships to deserving graduating players.
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Hudson Stawson received the $2,500 Colby Sweet Memorial Scholarship, presented in memory of one of the tournament’s founders.
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Mylynn Nelson and Owen Clayton each received a $1,250 Yelnats scholarship.
Cochrane teams advanced to seven of the eight divisional finals, winning three of them.
Down by two goals, the Tier 1 Cochrane Rockies staged a comeback to beat the Bow Valley Flames 4-2 in the semifinals. They carried that momentum into the final, defeating a North Edmonton team 8-5 in the charged atmosphere of the Cochrane Arena.
Team captain Manny De Guzman led the way, scoring seven goals in the final two games to help secure the championship and mark the end of his minor hockey career, which dates back to Timbits.
"It was so much fun. I'm glad," said De Guzman about the tournament. "We built it, got stronger, and finally pulled it together."
It was De Guzman's second time raising the Yelnats Cup after winning it in his first season of U18 hockey.
The Tier 3 Rockies also had a thrilling finish. After a North Edmonton team fought back to take a 4-3 lead seven minutes into the third period, the Rockies tied it up less than two minutes later. Then, with 3:26 remaining, they scored a power-play goal to claim the cup.
The Tier 2 NBC Cochrane Raiders secured victory in an overtime B Final thriller against an Airdrie team.
Graduating players from the Cochrane Avalanche were among those praising the opportunity to finish their minor hockey careers in Cochrane. All three have played hockey since a young age and have appeared in previous Yelnats Cups.
"It's something that you look forward to as a senior player because it extends your season, and it's something to look forward to at the end of the year," says Jack Tuite.
Nick Maclure said, "You wouldn't notice all the hard work that goes into the tournament behind the scenes, and I think they've been planning this since November, possibly earlier, so to have it all come to an end is a special finish, for sure."
"It's like another chance to play hockey after playoffs," says Ryu Hasymi. I really liked it, and it's a good way to end your season."
Also making finals were the Cochrane Avalanche, Cochrane House League Heroes, Cochrane Clash, and Cochrane Junior Chaos.
