The U16 Portage Thunder is the best team in Manitoba.
The ringette squad only lost one game all year en route to a league championship and a provincial championship. Head coach Brian Hauser says this team just worked harder than the rest.
"It's a small team. There were only nine skaters. They all showed up every day, and they brought it every game. It was an unbelievable season," Hauser explains. "In the playoffs, we never lost a game. It was a very good season for the girls."
Hauser says it was amazing to watch the girls' reaction after the final horn rang at provincials.
"They were extremely happy. They all burst onto the ice, right to their goalie," Hauser continues. "They were so excited it was unbelievable."
While it may seem like the team ran through their competition, Hauser says both tournaments were actually quite close. Even though they didn't lose a game, both of their championship wins came by a score of 4-3.
"They just stepped it up and brought another level to their game when it mattered most."
Hauser gives the team immense credit for never giving up and playing hard, no matter what the score.