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Emotions Run High for Saskatoon AAA Stars After Esso Cup Silver Finish
In the wake of their valiant effort at the Esso Cup, the Saskatoon AAA Stars find themselves navigating a complex sea of emotions just two days after their championship aspirations slipped away.
Players and coaches are coming to terms with the realization that they were on the brink of achieving a historic milestone for their program. Despite the disappointment, there is a sense of pride in the hard work and determination displayed throughout the tournament.
“Our goal was clearly a gold medal,” expressed Stars head coach Alana Serhan. “From the very beginning of the season, that has been our focus. To finish the season ranked second in the nation is a testament to the immense talent within our team.”
The Stars faced off against the Edmonton Junior Oilers in the final match of the 2025 Esso Cup, ultimately falling 7-3. This defeat secured them a silver medal, marking a significant achievement nonetheless.
As the captain and a graduating player, Maggie Freeman conveyed the bittersweet feelings experienced by the team. “A lot of emotions were present during our last day together,” Freeman remarked. “We always aimed to keep things light, focusing on finishing strong, regardless of the outcome. Achieving this level was already a victory in itself.”
The highlight of the tournament for Saskatoon came during the semi-finals, where they faced off against the North York Storm. It was a nail-biting encounter that saw forward Mikayla Broadfoot score the decisive goal, putting the Stars ahead 3-2 with only 5:34 left in regulation time. This victory propelled them into the gold medal match.
“I was filled with chills as I stepped on the ice,” Freeman recalled. “When Mikayla scored, I couldn’t believe it; it felt surreal. In that moment, we realized we were heading to the gold medal game. Looking back, it truly was an extraordinary experience.”
During the gold medal game, Saskatoon saw contributions from players such as Halle Duchene and Ayla Anderson, while goaltenders Tarynn Sutter and Adriana Bashnick combined for 26 saves on 33 shots fired by Edmonton.
To reach the national championship, the Stars had to overcome multiple high-stakes situations, including a must-win Game 3 of the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA League finals against the Battlefords Sharks and two elimination matches in the Esso Cup West Regionals against the Eastman Selects, culminating in their semi-final triumph over North York.
Serhan highlighted the resilience exhibited by her team throughout the challenging 2024-25 season. “Competing in such high-pressure elimination games really showcased the strong personalities within our group that helped drive us forward in those critical moments,” she noted.
Though they fell short of claiming the elusive trophy, the Stars tied their program’s best performance at the Esso Cup, having previously earned silver medals in 2018.
Freeman expressed a growing sense of pride in what the team achieved this spring, a sentiment she believes will deepen over time. “It’s a significant accomplishment, perhaps more than we realize,” she observed. “I’m particularly grateful for our first-year players, as they witnessed firsthand what it takes to reach this level. It’s remarkable to think we made history; future players will aspire to emulate our journey.”
The silver medal capped off a momentous weekend for U18 AAA hockey in Saskatchewan, coinciding with the Regina Pat Canadians’ triumph at the 2025 Telus Cup in Chilliwack, B.C.
Looking ahead, the Stars anticipate returning next season with most of their roster intact, believing that the experiences gained during the Esso Cup will serve them well for the 2025-26 season. “The caliber of competition in female hockey at this level is incredible,” Serhan stated. “It has been a pleasure to be part of this journey with our team.”
Duchene, leading in scoring during the regular season, was recognized as the Esso Cup’s top forward, finishing with six goals and twelve points throughout the tournament.
Source
globalnews.ca