By Jordan Parker

The Saskatchewan Western Hockey League’s Macklin Mohawks have rallied to an SWHL championship.

It was a weekend of tailgating and celebrating after a March 26 game in Wilkie that saw the team secure a 4-2 win to take the series.

“Some of the guys still have headaches. It was such a big thrill,” joked Coach Al Neufield. “We beat the Wilkie Outlaws, something we’ve wanted to do for five years.”

He said the reaction from the town – even the night of the win – was incredible.

“Even though we got home from that road game after midnight, people we still waiting for us. It was just amazing,” he said.

In a game where the Mohawks were down 2-1 going into the third period, they rallied for a big three-goal performance when it counted.

A two-goal performance from Jared Hillis – including the game-winner – led the team to their championship.

“In that final period, we got a few quick goals, which definitely helped us. But we started off slow,” he said.

He credits the Macklin crowd – who traveled to Wilkie to support the team during the away game – as a huge reason for the win.

“They were pretty amazing. It was just like a home game, and they even had airhorns,” he said. “I have no doubt the major reason we won that game was because of that support. You can’t replace those things.”

He expressed that the opposition they had in the Wilkie Outlaws was formidable.

“They’re just such a good club. They weren’t going to let us have this easy, and they were firing on all cylinders,” he said.

“We just kept trying to grind them down, and it was a next-goal-wins kind of game for a while.”

They’re still adjusting to being champions, and Neufield says the feeling is hard to describe.

“We haven’t been through this as a group before. The last time something like this happened was in 2009 when the team won provincials.” He said.

“Even when we were tailgating, people were honking their horns or stopping to have a drink. Sometimes you’d catch guys just sitting there smiling. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

The coach opened up about how he felt about their rivals and opponents, the Wilkie Outlaws.

“My hats’ off to them. They never made our lives easy. This has been a long-time rivalry, and they’re a quality team,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll be gunning for us next year. We aren’t used to having this target on our backs, but it was great to play them. They’re a classy team.”

They just won a championship, and Neufield expects to have the same core of guys back for next year’s action.

“There were some quick talks about it. But it was mostly a night of celebrating, and we’re trying to enjoy it and give thought to it later,” he said.

“We aren’t used to winning this league. But it looks like the core will be here. Right now we’re just happy to celebrate.”

Photos courtesy Phil Heilman

The Macklin Mohawks won the SWHL Championship over the Wilkie Outlaws, thanks in part to the play of goaltender Nathan Hargrave. Hargrave accepts the playoff MVP trophy from President Joe Cey.