Back to where it began
Eight years after playing in the first Esso Cup, Ferran Brown returns to the Canada’s National Female Midget Championship, this time behind the bench
Much was already known about the 2009 Esso Cup when Calgary was announced as the host city in December 2008. Seventy-four teams would take part in playdowns across the country. Four regional champions would be crowned. And the five-team field would be rounded out by the host squad.
But who, exactly, was the host team?
Hockey Calgary had three teams – the Bruins, Chaos and Flyers – in the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League. The Esso Cup host would be whoever went furthest in the AMMFHL playoffs.
The Bruins took out the Chaos in the preliminary round, setting up a best-of-five series against the league-best Flyers. Three games later the inaugural National Female Midget Championship had its host.
“Even [in the AMMFHL quarter-final] we felt like we won because we got to go to nationals now,” says Ferran Brown, then a forward with the Flyers. “To be the first to host it was nice because you almost felt like you made something.”
Brown opened the scoring in an opening-day win for the Flyers, and would record at least one point in every game (four goals, three assists) for the eventual bronze medallists.
“That was the highlight of my Midget career, and every time I look at [the medal] it just brings back good memories. I think of all the girls and always have that memory of them.”
Eight years later, Brown has the chance to both re-live that Midget year and create new memories, as an assistant coach with the Mid-Isle Wildcats, the Atlantic Region champions, at the 2017 Esso Cup.
The journey from Calgary to Summerside, P.E.I., to Morden, Man., may seem like an unlikely path, but the route has been surprisingly straight.
That first win for the Flyers came against the Scarborough Sharks. Ontario’s reputation as a women’s hockey powerhouse preceded it, but shutting out the Sharks showed Brown that she had game, too.
“After that I thought that I could go further in hockey. I realized I was half decent,” she says, laughing.
She played five seasons with the University of Prince Edward Island – her final two as captain – was named an Academic All-Canadian and received a leadership award after her senior year. She even played in another national championship, with the Panthers in 2012. And every spring she helped coach when UPEI hosted the provincial U16 and U18 teams.
But after earning her bachelor of education – and meeting a lobster fisherman – on the East Coast, she took a job teaching in northern Alberta last year. “But this year I decided to move back here with the lobster fisherman,” she says, laughing.
In addition to working as a substitute teacher, Brown was coaching an Atom A team in O’Leary, P.E.I., when a surprise offer came last fall. “One of my old coaches from UPEI got a call from the Mid-Isle Wildcats saying they’d really like a female coach. She gave my name, and I thought it was a great opportunity to coach older girls.”
Kevin Andrews, head coach of the Wildcats, admits he didn’t know much about Brown when her former university coach first recommended her. But after doing some digging, Andrews knew she’d be the perfect fit.
“I found out she had been in the inaugural Esso Cup in 2009, and I told the girls this is a great experience to draw on because Ferran has been there before,” he says. “She’d been to the nationals at the university level as well, another great experience to draw on.”
With Brown being only a few years older than the players, a natural trust quickly formed.
“I find that they can relate to me, that I can just talk to them and know the actual issues or what they’re thinking,” says Brown, who still plays in the Island Women’s Hockey League.
She also recently accepted a position on the Team P.E.I. coaching staff for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, her first time – as player or coach – at the high-performance level. It’s another opportunity to mentor and pay it forward.
“A lot of our players would like to play university hockey,” says Andrews, “and I think they look at Ferran as a great example of how to do it and, through her examples, of the benefits of playing university hockey.”
Shortly after joining the team, Brown sent players a PowerPoint presentation on how to contact university coaches. “And I’ve been telling them how going through this tournament is a huge opportunity to meet even more schools from across the country.”
Brown has told both the players and her fellow coaches that Esso Cup week is about the hockey, first and foremost. But she couldn’t help but think beyond the rink when Mid-Isle clinched its spot, only the second team from P.E.I. to ever do so.
“I knew how much I loved going to Esso – just feeling so accomplished,” says Brown. “It’s crazy that the girls get to experience it, the whole-week tournament and being fully committed to hockey. It was exciting to know that they’re going to have that experience that I had when I was younger, because you won’t forget it for the rest of your life.”
Host locations selected for 2026 Esso and TELUS Cups
New Brunswick and Ontario to host Canada’s U18 national club championships
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the host locations for Canada’s 2026 U18 national club championships, with the Esso Cup set for Dieppe, New Brunswick, and the TELUS Cup heading to Peterborough, Ontario. “Hosting premier hockey events takes a tremendous effort from everyone in the chosen communities,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “From volunteers, sponsors and the fans, Canadians from coast to coast to coast step up every year to help grow the game of hockey and provide lifelong memories for these athletes.”
From April 19-25, the Moncton Rockets of the Maritime Major Female Hockey League (MMFHL) will welcome five regional champions to compete for Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship at the UNIplex. It marks the first time the Esso Cup has been hosted in the province of New Brunswick and fourth time the Rockets have competed in the event (2010, 2014, 2015), and represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, Hockey New Brunswick and the City of Dieppe. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the nation’s top U18 AAA female hockey teams and players to our community for the 2026 Esso Cup,” said Mélanie McGrath, co-chair of the Esso Cup host organizing committee. “This tournament is a celebration of talent, determination, and the bright future of women’s hockey in Canada. We’re honored to be part of this incredible event and can’t wait to create unforgettable memories for the players, families, and fans.” The Peterborough Junior AAA Petes of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) will make their national championship debut at the TELUS Cup, which is set for April 20-26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The 2026 event marks the return of Canada’s U18 Men’s National Club Championship to Ontario for the first time since 2019 in Thunder Bay and is hosted in partnership with the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and the City of Peterborough. “We’re thrilled to welcome the TELUS Cup to Peterborough— this is the most exciting hockey moment for our community since we hosted the Memorial Cup in 1996,” said City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal. “In Peterborough, hockey is more than a game, it is part of our identity. The TELUS Cup is an incredible chance to cheer on the future stars of the sport, showcase our facilities and the home of the legendary Peterborough Petes, and celebrate everything that makes Peterborough an unforgettable destination not only for minor hockey, but also for active family fun.”
Fans can stay up to date on news about the 2026 Esso Cup and 2026 TELUS Cup, including schedules, ticket information and other promotions, by signing up to become a Hockey Canada Insider.
The 2025 Esso Cup is currently being played in Lloydminster, Alberta, with the host Steelers welcoming the Eastern Stars (Atlantic), Edmonton Jr. Oilers (Pacific), Étoiles de Laurentides-Lanaudière (Québec), North York Storm (Ontario) and Saskatoon Stars (West).
The 2025 TELUS Cup is underway in Chilliwack, British Columbia, with the host Thunderbirds joined by the Elgin Middlesex Canucks (Central), Chevaliers de Lévis (Québec), Moncton Flyers (Atlantic), Okanagan Rockets (Pacific) and Regina Pat Canadians (West).
For more information on Hockey Canada, the Esso Cup and the TELUS Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. About Peterborough:
Peterborough is a vibrant mid-size city shaped by its connection to nature, the waterway, community, and a rich tradition of sport and recreation. Conveniently located 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, on the doorstep of The Kawarthas cottage country, Peterborough is the largest urban centre on the historic, 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway, named one of 52 destinations to visit in 2025 by New York Times. Peterborough is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations.
About Dieppe: Dieppe is the fourth largest city in the maritime province of New Brunswick located on the outskirts of the City of Moncton. A primarily francophone community, over 63% of the residents consider French as their mother tongue. Named in honor of the Canadian soldiers killed during the landing of Allied troops on the beaches in Dieppe, France in 1942, Dieppe is located along the Petitcodiac River and forms the southeastern part of the Greater Moncton Area. Dieppe is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territories of the Wolastoqiyik, Mi'gmaq, and Peskotomuhkati peoples.
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Edmonton Jr. Oilers
The Pacific Region champions and reigning bronze medallists are back for yet another national appearance, hoping this is finally their year
Bronze medallists a year ago in Vernon, the Edmonton Jr. Oilers are returning to the Esso Cup ready to become champions.
With only a single overtime loss across 36 games this season, the Jr. Oilers held a 21-game win streak from Oct. 2 to Jan. 19. Notably, that loss came at the hands of the Esso Cup hosts, the Lloydminster Steelers. The Jr. Oilers finished atop the Alberta Female Hockey League and swept past the Greater Vancouver Comets in the Pacific Regional to qualify for a tournament-leading ninth Esso Cup.
The Jr. Oilers are loaded with experience and talent, with eight players returning from last year. Six players also represented Alberta at the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship (Taya Christie, Ciara Lang, Keira Grant, Paige Smith, Layla Matthew and Daniella Martorana). Edmonton is also a highly scouted team with 16 university and college commitments on its roster.
Edmonton scored 124 goals during the regular season—36 more than the next highest team in the AFHL, and the Jr. Oilers iced eight of the top 10 scorers, led by Parker Small (11-20—31). Tavia Koscielnuk was the top rookie scorer for Edmonton, finishing fifth with 11 goals and 26 points. However, the offence is not limited to forwards. Lang (8-19—27), Cadence Richards (8-18—26) and Bree Prediger (9-14—23) finished in the top 10 of AFHL scoring as defenders.
Between the pipes, the Jr. Oilers have the best goaltending duo in Alberta. Returning netminder Ella Dunham-Fox earned a 15-1 record, 1.03 goals-against average and .948 save percentage, while Christie topped the AFHL with a 12-0 record, 0.78 GAA and .960 save percentage.
Although the Jr. Oilers have had the most appearances at Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship, the team has never lifted the Esso Cup. Their best performances were silver medal finishes in 2011 and 2014.
HOW THEY GOT TO LLOYDMINSTER
Alberta Female Hockey League Quarterfinal: defeated Sherwood Park Kings 2-0 (5-2, 7-1) Semifinal: defeated Calgary Fire Red 2-0 (3-1, 1-0) Final: defeated St. Albert Slash 2-0 (5-1, 3-0)
Pacific Regional Championship: defeated Greater Vancouver Comets 2-0 (3-2, 4-0)
REGULAR SEASON
Record (W-L-OTL): 27-0-1 (1st in AFHL) Goals for: 124 (1st in AFHL) Goals against: 26 (1st in AFHL) Longest winning streak: 21 (Oct. 2-Jan. 19)
Top 3 scorers: - Parker Small – 11G 20A 31P (2nd in AFHL) - Ciara Lang – 8G 19A 27P (3rd in AFHL) - Evie Hanson – 12G 14A 26P (4th in AFHL)
PLAYOFFS
Record: 8-0 Goals for: 31 Goals against: 7 Top 3 scorers: - Keira Grant – 7G 4A 11P - Daniella Martorana – 2G 5A 7P - Reanna Loberg and Julia Curran – 3G 3A 6P
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2024 – Edmonton Jr. Oilers | bronze medal | 5-2 | 17GF 11GA 2015 – Edmonton Thunder | 5th place | 2-3 | 9GF 10GA 2014 – Edmonton Thunder | silver medal | 3-4 | 16GF 18GA 2013 – Edmonton Thunder | bronze medal | 6-1 | 23GF 18GA 2012 – Edmonton Thunder | bronze medal | 3-4 | 15GF 12GA 2011 – Edmonton Thunder | silver medal | 6-1 | 26GF 12GA 2010 – Edmonton Thunder | bronze medal | 3-4 | 17GF 18GA 2009 – Edmonton Thunder | 4th place | 2-4 | 17GF 14GA
UNIVERSITY COMMITMENTS
Taya Christie – University of New Brunswick Julia Curran – Boston University Keira Grant – University of New Brunswick Evie Hanson – Union College Dejah Howes – University of Windsor Ciara Lang – Clarkson University Reanna Loberg – Union College Daniella Martorana – Merrimack College Layla Matthew – Clarkson University Bree Prediger – Merrimack College Madeline Renfree – University of New Brunswick Cadence Richards – Brown University Jayde Sansregret – University of New Brunswick Parker Small – Long Island University Paige Smith – Bemidji State University Tayah Wallace – University of British Columbia
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Saskatoon Stars
The West Region champions are back for a fifth Esso Cup appearance and are eager for a first national title
The Saskatoon Stars’ best finish at the Esso Cup was a silver medal in 2018, and it’s been six years since they last competed at the Esso Cup. Finally West Region champions again and capturing gold is the goal in Lloydminster.
Perennial runners-up in the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) since 2022-23, the Stars will make a fifth appearance at Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship.
Saskatoon is loaded with young talent across their roster. There are nine first-year players on the roster: six forwards, two defenders and one goaltender. Rookie Sadie Green was second in Stars scoring with 17 goals and 36 points during the regular season before adding nine goals and five helpers in the playoffs.
In goal, Saskatoon has been riding Tarynn Sutter in her first season in the SFU18AAAHL. Sutter posted a 15-2 record in the regular season with two shutouts, a 1.78 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. Her strong play continued in the playoffs, with Sutter earning a 5-2 record, 1.58 GAA and .932 save percentage.
The Stars last qualified for the Esso Cup in 2019 and have always put in strong performances on the national stage. Saskatoon topped the preliminary-round standings in both 2018 and 2019, led by Mackenna Parker (2018) and Anna Leschyshyn (2019) who finished as top scorer of their respective tournaments. Along with silver in 2018, the Stars earned bronze in 2015 and their goal is to complete their collection of medals with gold this year.
There are big shoes to fill for the West Region champions after the Regina Rebels won the 2024 Esso Cup. In tournament history, Saskatchewan teams have won three national titles (2011 Notre Dame Hounds, 2014 Weyburn Gold Wings, 2024 Regina Rebels) and have been on the podium six times since 2009.
HOW THEY GOT TO LLOYDMINSTER
Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League Quarterfinal: defeated Weyburn Gold Wings 2-0 (7-1, 7-1) Semifinal: defeated Swift Current Wildcats 2-1 (6-3, 0-2, 5-2) Final: defeated Battlefords Sharks 2-1 (3-0, 1-2, 6-1)
West Regional Championship: defeated Eastman Selects 2-1 (1-2, 5-4, 6-0)
REGULAR SEASON
Record (W-OTW-OTL-L): 18-4-0-8 (2nd in SFU18AAAHL) Goals for: 110 (2nd in SFU18AAAHL) Goals against: 67 (2nd in SFU18AAAHL) Longest winning streak: 7 (Dec. 7-Jan. 16)
Top 3 scorers: - Halle Duchene – 20G 21A 41P (2nd in SFU18AAAHL) - Sadie Green – 17G 19A 36P (5th in SFU18AAAHL) - Kolbee Ashe – 17G 18A 35P (6th in SFU18AAAHL)
PLAYOFFS
Record: 8-3 Goals for: 47 Goals against: 18
Top 3 scorers: - Halle Duchene – 7G 8A 15P - Sadie Green – 9G 5A 14P - Kolbee Ashe – 6G 4A 10P
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2015 – Saskatoon Stars | bronze medal | 5-2 | 26GF 14GA 2016 – Saskatoon Stars | 4th place | 3-4 | 11GF 16GA 2018 – Saskatoon Stars | silver medal | 6-1 | 29GF 6GA 2019 – Saskatoon Stars | 4th place | 4-3 | 29GF 21GA
UNIVERSITY COMMITMENTS
Kolbee Ashe – Rochester Institute of Technology Kinley Brassard – Minot State University Halle Duchene – Mercyhurst University Claire Moorman – University of Manitoba
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: North York Storm
The Ontario champions took home silver a year ago, but they are back with their sights on gold in Lloydminster
The North York Storm went home with silver at the 2024 Esso Cup. Now they’re back hungry for gold.
The Ontario Region champions have been a top team in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) for several years—the Storm narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2023 Esso Cup, losing in the gold medal game at the OWHA provincial championship to the eventual national champions, the Stoney Creek Sabres.
Last year in their Esso Cup debut, the Storm sat fourth after the preliminary round (2-3) but defeated the Edmonton Jr. Oilers 4-1 to advance to the gold medal game. North York had edged the Regina Rebels 7-6 in overtime during the prelims, but the Rebels came away with a 2-1 win to claim Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship.
This season, the Storm went19-1-2 during the regular season to finish first in the OWHL Southern standings. The momentum from the league playoffs carried into the provincial tournament, where for the second year in a row, the Storm allowed only four goals to punch their ticket back to the Esso Cup.
North York has a wealth of experience, with 16 players returning from Vernon. It will look to continue a run of success by Ontario teams; the region has put a team in the gold medal game in three consecutive years and has not finished lower than fourth place in the 14 editions of the tournament.
HOW THEY GOT TO LLOYDMINSTER
Ontario Women’s Hockey Association Playdowns: 2-0-0 – 2nd place in Region Q (defeated Toronto Aeros 2-0; defeated Scarborough Sharks 3-0) Preliminary round: 2-0-1 – 1st place in Group A (tied North Halton Twisters 1-1; defeated Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 5-2; defeated Central York Panthers 2-0) Quarterfinal: defeated Clarington Flames 2-0 Semifinal: defeated Peterborough Ice Kats 1-0 Final: defeated Stratford Aces 2-1
REGULAR SEASON
Record (W-L-T): 19-1-2 (1st in OWHL Southern) Goals for: 86 (2nd in OWHL Southern) Goals against: 16 (1st in OWHL Southern) Longest winning streak: 9 (Oct. 5-Dec. 15)
PLAYOFFS
Record: 8-0-2 Goals for: 34 Goals against: 7
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2024 – North York Storm | silver medal | 3-4 | 23GF 21GA
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Étoiles de Laurentides-Lanaudière
The Quebec Region champions are ready to make another Esso Cup appearance after just missing out in 2024
The Étoiles de Laurentides-Lanaudière were one game away from representing Quebec at consecutive Esso Cups in 2024.
A 4-3 overtime win over the Intrépide de l’Outaouais sent the Étoiles to the Esso Cup in 2023—their second appearance at Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship. The Intrépide bounced back and shut out the Étoiles 2-0 in the 2024 Coupe Chevrolet provincial championship .
The Étoiles and Intrépide were top two in the Ligue de hockey d'excellence du Québec (LHEQ) again this season, with Outaouais edging Laurentides-Lanaudière by three points to top the standings. However, the Étoiles scored more goals (125) and allowed fewer (37), collecting a 23-5-0 record.
To return to the Esso Cup this year, the Étoiles would need to get past their provincial rivals; they defeated the Intrépide in the preliminary round and semifinals to book their spot in the provincial final. With the Coupe Chevrolet’s consolation-style bracket, the Intrépide downed the Stars 55 de Mauricie-CDQ to join the Étoiles in the final, where Laurentides-Lanaudière scored a 4-3 win to earn a spot at the 2025 Esso Cup.
Elli Allard helped to lead the Étoiles back to the national stage; the 16-year-old was second in LHEQ scoring with 18 goals and 47 points before adding three goals and 12 points in the playoffs.
HOW THEY GOT TO LLOYDMINSTER
Coupe Chevrolet Preliminary round: defeated Intrépide de l’Outaouais 4-2, defeated Amazones de Laval-Montréal 4-1 Quarterfinal: defeated Stars 55 de Mauricie-CDQ 4-0 Semifinal: defeated Intrépide de l’Outaouais 3-2 Final: defeated Intrépide de l’Outaouais 4-3
REGULAR SEASON
Record (W-L-OTL): 23-5-0 (2nd in LHEQ) Goals for: 125 (1st in LHEQ) Goals against: 37 (1st in LHEQ) Longest winning streak: 8 (Nov. 9-Jan. 11)
Top 3 scorers: - Elli Allard – 18G 29A 47P (2nd in LHEQ) - Maika Gauthier – 25G 18A 43P (3rd in LHEQ) - Abigaël Blais – 12G 17A 29P (6th in LHEQ)
PLAYOFFS
Record: 5-0 Goals for: 19 Goals against: 8
Top 3 scorers: - Elli Allard – 3G 9A 12P - Maika Gauthier – 6G 1A 7P - Abigaël Blais – 2G 3A 5P
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2018 – Pionnières de Lanaudière | bronze medal | 2-3 | 11GF 17GA 2023 – Étoiles de Laurentides-Lanaudière | fifth place | 2-3 | 8GF 9GA
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Eastern Stars
The Atlantic champions dominated this season and are ready to represent the East Coast at the Esso Cup for the first time
After eight years, Prince Edward Island will have a team represented at the Esso Cup and the Eastern Stars are ready to make the most of playing on a national stage.
The Stars come to Lloydminster on a hot streak that has lasted for five months—they have not lost a game since Nov. 10. They won the remaining 18 games in the Maritime Major Female Hockey League (MMFHL) regular season and went undefeated in the playoffs, sweeping their provincial rivals, the Western Wolves, to reach the Atlantic Regional .
Eastern carried its momentum into the regional tournament in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, going unbeaten in four preliminary-round games and setting up a battle against the host Northern Selects for a spot at the Esso Cup. After falling 5-2 in the regional final a year ago, the Stars got their revenge by defeating the Selects 3-1 to claim a spot at Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship.
Emily Gardiner has led the Stars’ offence this season with 26 goals and 51 points in 32 regular-season games. In the playoffs, rookie Avery MacPhee took the spotlight, leading the way with five goals and two helpers. In addition, defender Taylor Hunter represented Team Atlantic earlier this season at the 2024 U18 Women’s National Championship in Quispamsis, New Brunswick.
The Stars are thethird team to represent Prince Edward Island at the Esso Cup, following the Mid-Isle Wildcats (2017) and Kings County Kings (2011). They’re also in search of the first-ever medal for an Atlantic team; just three times in the first 14 editions of the tournament has an East Coast team reached the semifinals, and all three fell short in the bronze medal game.
HOW THEY GOT TO LLOYDMINSTER
Maritime Major Female Hockey League Prince Edward Island final: defeated Western Wolves 4-0 (2-1, 1-0, 3-2, 2-1)
Atlantic Regional Preliminary round: 4-0 – 1st place (defeated Halifax Capitals 2-1, defeated Northern Selects 2-1, defeated Moncton Rockets 3-0, defeated Eastern Ice Breakers 6-0) Final: defeated Northern Selects 3-1
REGULAR SEASON
Record (W-L-T): 27-5-0 (1st in MMFHL) Goals for: 127 (2nd in MMFHL) Goals against: 52 (1st in MMFHL) Longest winning streak: 18 (Nov. 16-Feb. 11)
Top 3 scorers: - Emily Gardiner – 26G 25A 51P (3rd in MMFHL) - Ellie Mullins – 19G 17A 36P (9th in MMFHL) - Emily Lutley – 12G 22A 34P (11th in MMFHL)
PLAYOFFS
Record: 9-0 Goals for: 24 Goals against: 7
Top 3 scorers: - Avery MacPhee – 5G 2A 7P - Emily Lutley – 2G 5A 7P - Cadence Player – 3G 3A 6P
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
First appearance
UNIVERSITY COMMITMENTS
Emily Gardiner - Dalhousie University Taylor Hunter - Mount Allison University Olivia Lowe - Holland College Kali MacDonald - University of Prince Edward Island
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Lloydminster Steelers
The anticipation has been building all season, and the hosts are ready to welcome the best U18 club teams in Canada to the Border City
The Lloydminster Steelers have been counting down to the 2025 Esso Cup all season, and now the hosts are ready to use home ice to their advantage.
The Steelers finished in the top half of the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL), ending the regular season with a 17-10-1 record.
Strong defence and goaltending have been crucial for the Steelers. Lloydminster allowed only 48 goals, the second-best goals-against mark in the AFHL behind the juggernaut Edmonton Jr. Oilers. In net, the Steelers have a dynamic duo in Grace Deveau and rookie Harlee Houle. Deveau sported a 1.13 goals-against average and a .953 save percentage, while Houle registered a 1.87 goals-against average and .926 save percentage during the regular season.
This will be Lloydminster’s first appearance at Canada’s U18 Women’s National Club Championship, but the hosts are already familiar with one opponent: the Jr. Oilers. Edmonton lost just one AFHL game this season, and it came at the hands of the Steelers—a 2-1 overtime decision on Jan. 26.
Historically, the Esso Cup hosts have never won the tournament, but the Steelers are hoping to change that. Two host teams have previously reached the gold medal game—the Red Deer Chiefs (2015) and Sudbury Lady Wolves (2019).
HOW THEY GOT TO LLOYDMINSTER
Alberta Female Hockey League Quarterfinal: lost to Calgary Fire Red 2-0 (2-3, 1-2)
REGULAR SEASON
Record (W-L-OTL): 17-10-1 (4th in AFHL) Goals for: 61 (4th in AFHL) Goals against: 48 (2nd in AFHL) Longest winning streak: 5 (Nov. 22-Dec. 20)
Top 3 scorers: - Raevyn Neahr – 10G 11A 21P (12th in AFHL) - Skylar Heinrichs – 10G 10A 20P (15th in AFHL) - Taryn Leighton – 6G 8A 14P (36th in AFHL)
PLAYOFFS
Record: 0-2 Goals for: 3 Goals against: 5
Top 3 scorers: - Ashlyn Hinton – 2G 0A 2P - Sydney Klebanosky – 0G 2A 2P - Raevyn Neahr – 0G 2A 2P
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
First appearance
UNIVERSITY COMMITMENTS
Grace Deveau – Trinity Western University Skylar Heinrichs - Mount Royal University Ashlyn Hinton – Lakeland College Kennedy McQuade - St. Thomas University Ryann Rekimowich – Lakeland College Natalie Tychkowsky – Red Deer Polytechnic
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Pacific Regional
The Edmonton Jr. Oilers and Greater Vancouver Comets have earned provincial titles; who moves on to the Esso Cup?
We’re down to two in the Pacific Region.
The Greater Vancouver Comets hope to reach its first Esso Cup after a strong regular season in the British Columbia Elite Hockey League (BCEHL). Goaltender Olivia Tran leads the BCEHL in wins (19), shootouts (nine) and has the second-best goals-against average at 1.18—fellow Comets netminder, Alexandra Johnston, has the season’s best average with a 0.77 GAA. Johnston carried the regular-season momentum into the playoffs with a 4-0 record, 1.37 GAA and a .930 saves percentage.
In the Alberta Female Hockey League, the Edmonton Jr. Oilers were the team to beat, recording one overtime loss against the Lloydminster Steelers on January 26 during the regular season. Keira Grant had an excellent performance in the provincial tournament, scoring seven goals and adding three helpers in six playoff games. Standout goaltending from Taya Christie and Ella Dunham-Fox resulted in only five goals against and two shutouts during the provincial tournament.
RECENT CHAMPIONS (ESSO CUP FINISH) 2024 – Edmonton Jr. Oilers (bronze medal) 2023 – Fraser Valley Rush (silver medal) 2022 – Fraser Valley Rush (silver medal) 2019 – St. Albert Slash (gold medal) 2018 – St. Albert Slash (gold medal)
GREATER VANCOUVER COMETS BCEHL CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 28-2-2 (1st in BCEHL) Goals for: 137 Goals against: 33 Leading scorer: Rowan Brooke Hu (21G 20A 41P)
Playoff record: 4-0 Goals for: 11 Goals against: 6 Leading scorer: Carolyn Koo and Noe Crookham (2G 1A 3P)
ROAD TO THE PACIFIC REGIONAL Semifinal: defeated Thompson-Okanagan Lakers 2-0 (3-2, 3-1) Final: defeated Northern Capitals 2-0 (1-0, 4-3)
Last national championship appearance: none Total national championship appearances: none
EDMONTON JR. OILERS AFHL CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 27-1-0 (1st in AFHL) Goals for: 124 Goals against: 26 Leading scorer: Parker Small (11G 20A 31P)
Playoff record: 6-0 Goals for: 24 Goals against: 5 Leading scorer: Keira Grant (7G 3A 10P)
ROAD TO THE PACIFIC REGIONAL Quarterfinal: defeated Sherwood Park Reign 2-0 (5-2, 7-1) Semifinal: defeated Calgary Fire Red 2-0 (3-1, 1-0) Final: defeated St. Albert Slash 2-0 (5-1, 3-0)
Last national championship appearance: 2024 (bronze medal) Total national championship appearances: 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2024)
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: West Regional
The Saskatoon Stars and Eastman Selects earned provincial titles, but which team will advance to the Esso Cup?
It’s been five years since the Saskatoon Stars were last at the Esso Cup. Now, the team has a chance to make its fifth appearance at the U18 Women’s National Club Championship after winning the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) championship. After sweeping Weyburn in the quarterfinals, the Stars’ semifinal and championship series came down to decisive Game 3s. Halle Duchene led the Stars in the playoffs with seven goals and eight assists to help Saskatoon advance to the West Regional.
The Eastman Selects are hoping to make its first appearance at the Esso Cup after winning the Manitoba Female Hockey League (MFHL) title in a thrilling championship game. The Selects swept the Interlake Lightning and Yellowhead Chiefs to meet the Winnipeg Avros in the final. It all came down to double-overtime in Game 5 of the final, when Sophia Heidinger scored the game-winning goal unassisted to seal the win for the Selects.
RECENT CHAMPIONS (ESSO CUP FINISH) 2024 – Regina Rebels (gold medal) 2023 – Regina Rebels (bronze medal) 2022 – Notre Dame Hounds (third place) 2019 – Saskatoon Stars (fourth place) 2018 – Saskatoon Stars (silver medal)
SASKATOON STARS SFU18AAAHL CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 18-8-4 (2nd in SFU18AAAHL) Goals for: 110 Goals against: 67 Leading scorer: Halle Duchene (20G 21A 41P)
Playoff record: 6-2 Goals for: 35 Goals against: 12 Leading scorer: Halle Duchene (7G 8A 15P)
ROAD TO THE WEST REGIONAL Quarterfinal: defeated Weyburn Gold Wings 2-0 (7-1, 7-1) Semifinal: defeated Swift Current Wildcats 2-1 (6-3, 0-2, 5-2) Final: defeated Battlefords Sharks 2-1 (3-0, 1-2, 6-1)
Last national championship appearance: 2019 (fourth place) Total national championship appearances: 4 (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
EASTMAN SELECTS MFHL CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 27-5-0 (1st in MFHL) Goals for: 113 Goals against: 33 Leading scorer: Vayda Rigaux (10G 26A 36P)
Playoff record: 9-2 Goals for: 30 Goals against: 10 Leading scorer: Sophia Heidinger (6G 6A 12P)
ROAD TO THE WEST REGIONAL Quarterfinal: defeated Interlake Lightning 3-0 (3-0, 4-0, 4-0) Semifinal: defeated Yellowhead Chiefs 3-0 (4-1, 4-3, 4-0) Final: defeated Winnipeg Avros 3-2 (2-1, 3-0, 0-2, 0-2, 2-1 2OT)
Last national championship appearance: none Total national championship appearances: none
Road to the 2025 Esso Cup: Atlantic Regional
Five teams—the Capitals, Ice Breakers, Rockets, Selects and Stars—have earned their spots in Pictou County; who moves on to Lloydminster?
It’s time to crown an Atlantic Region champion on the road to the Esso Cup. The Northern Selects have represented the East Coast for four of the past five tournaments and enter the Atlantic tournament as the host team this year.
The Eastern Stars led the Maritime Major Female Hockey League this year. Forward Emily Gardiner led the Stars during the regular season, scoring 26 goals and 51 points in 28 games—an average of about 1.82 points per game. In Newfoundland, the Eastern Ice Breakers only allowed three goals in five playoff games, outscoring opponents 29-3.
The Halifax Capitals join the Northern Selects as the only teams with national championship appearances. The Capitals, known then as the Halifax Fire, competed at the Esso Cup in 2019, finishing in fifth place.
All five teams had strong postseason performances, boasting a combined 19-6 playoff record.
RECENT CHAMPIONS (ESSO CUP FINISH) 2024 – Northern Selects (5th place) 2023 – Northern Selects (4th place) 2022 – Northern Selects (4th place) 2019 – Halifax Fire (5th place) 2018 – Northern Selects (5th place)
NORTHERN SELECTS HOST
Regular season record: 21-10-1 (2nd in MMFHL) Goals for: 131 Goals against: 65 Leading scorer: Hali Rose MacLean (39G 18A 57P)
Playoff record: 2-3 Goals for: 9 Goals against: 14 Leading scorer: Hali Rose MacLean (4G 1A 5P)
ROAD TO THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL N.S. semifinal: lost to Halifax Capitals 3-2 (1-0, 3-9, 1-2, 4-1, 0-2)
Last national championship appearance: 2024 (5th place) Total national championship appearances: 4 (2018, 2022, 2023, 2024)
EASTERN STARS PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 27-5-0 (1st in MMFHL) Goals for: 127 Goals against: 52 Leading scorer: Emily Gardiner (26G 25A 51P)
Playoff record: 4-0 Goals for: 8 Goals against: 4 Leading scorer: Cadence Player (2G 1A 3P)
ROAD TO THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL P.E.I. final: defeated Western Wolves 4-0 (2-1, 1-0, 3-2, 2-1)
Last national championship appearance: none Total national championship appearances: none
HALIFAX CAPITALS NOVA SCOTIA CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 18-13-1 (5th in MMFHL) Goals for: 107 Goals against: 82 Leading scorer: Adison White (24G 23A 47P)
Playoff record: 6-3 Goals for: 21 Goals against: 14 Leading scorer: Ella Driscoll (6G 1A 7P)
ROAD TO THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL N.S. semifinal: defeated Northern Selects 3-2 (0-1, 9-3, 2-1, 1-4, 2-0) N.S. final: defeated Dartmouth Surge 3-1 (2-1, 1-0, 1-3, 3-1)
Last national championship appearance: 2019 (5th place) Total national championship appearances: 1 (2019)
EASTERN ICE BREAKERS NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 15-1-1 (1st in HNL) Goals for: 101 Goals against: 10 Leading scorer: Maggie Strong (15G 16A 31P)
Playoff record: 4-0 Goals for: 29 Goals against: 3 Leading scorer: Anastasia Penney (3G 7A 10P)
ROAD TO THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL N.L. league semifinal: defeated Tri-Pen Ice 2-0 (10-0, 9-0) N.L. league final: defeated Central IcePak 2-0 (5-2, 5-1)
Last national championship appearance: none Total national championship appearances: none
MONCTON ROCKETS NEW BRUNSWICK CHAMPIONS
Regular season record: 14-16-2 (6th in MMFHL) Goals for: 98 Goals against: 109 Leading scorer: Audrey Poirier (19G 25A 44P)
Playoff record: 3-0 Goals for: 9 Goals against: 5 Leading scorer: Marissa Richard (3G 3A 6P)
ROAD TO THE ATLANTIC REGIONAL N.B. final: defeated Western Flames 3-0 (3-2, 5-3, 1-0)
Last national championship appearance: 2015 Total national championship appearances: 3 (2010, 2014, 2015)
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