The AAA Swift Current Wildcats are adding a trio of West Central natives into the fold.
The team announced the signing of Kindersley's Iralyn Calkins earlier this week, following that up with news that another Kindersley born player Hayden Hilbig was signing too. This comes after the initial news of their signing in April, that also included another one of their AA teammates in Jalaa Moore Jagow.
Calkins played two games as an AP with the team this past season and is now signed on full time for the upcoming season. This past season Calkins and company were part of the provincial champion U15 AA Western Prairie Thunder, growing her game playing AA hockey out of the Western Prairie Female hockey program for the past few years.
Finishing with 60 points in 27 games, Calkins was third on the team in points but led the way in goal scoring with 34. She added another 13 points in eight playoff games as the Thunder roared to the finals.
Calkins' hockey also took her south of the border for a tournament with Team Sask Elite Female Hockey, along with participating in different Hockey Saskatchewan programs like Sask First to get a look at the next level.
Just like Calkins, Hilbig has been another staple in the Thunder lineup over the past few years. Hilbig was the team's leading scorer this past season with 69 points in 27 games, leading the team in assists at 48. She added another 16 in six playoff games.
Hilbig has also played in some post-season competition this year. She was part of Team Saskatchewan at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Kamloops where the team took home a bronze medal.
The final local Thunder player committed to Swift Current, Rosetown's Jalaa Moore Jagow, was not announced on social media as of the morning of May 29.
Moore-Jagow was the team's second leading scorer with 63 points in only 25 games, a balanced effort with 30 goals and 33 assists.
With some serious female hockey prowess in the region, proven by the recent championship, the signings should be just a sign of what's to come. Find a previous story below as the U15 AA team coaches commented on talent in the area, and the potential to move on to the next level like these three girls.