Team Saskatchewan nets Silver Medal at National Aboriginal Hockey Championships

By Jordan Parker

On Saturday, May 14, Team Saskatchewan ultimately lost to Team Ontario in the 2022 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

But two Kindersley players on the team found some silver linings in the experience.

“It was pretty exciting to be selected. It was an amazing experience, and I got to meet so many other players. It was a good feeling,” said Ethan Hilbig.

“The coaching staff and group were great, and we definitely battled throughout. It was good, hard hockey.”

Team Saskatchewan went 5-0 last week, but were defeated by Team Ontario in the Gold Model game 3-2. The championships were held in Membertou, Nova Scotia.

“We played well as a team. I found the first period and a half, we weren’t playing our game. It seemed the nerves were getting to us. The entire third, we played extremely hard and never lost faith,” he said.

“We scored two late goals to tie it but fell short in overtime. Overall, it was an honour to be able to play and represent Saskatchewan.”

Hilbig was proud to be a part of such a great experience despite the loss.

“We got to represent our background and show what the future of hockey looks like,” said the defenseman member of the U18 Male team. “It was just an overall good feeling.”

The second Kindersley player on the team, Carter Cormier, also found a lot to be happy about from the experience.

“As the teams were going along, we just kept playing better as a team. We didn’t get to practice much before we played,” he said. “But we were gelling on the ice, and it was so nice to see the chemistry there.”

Cormier was disappointed in the loss but says the team fought hard.

“It was a good game. We just couldn’t bury one on their goalie. We had 55 shots and only scored two in the last 33 seconds,” he said.

He was also humbled to be chosen for this particular team.

“It was an honour, and I’m so proud I got the opportunity to play in this tournament. It’s so nice to represent your hometown like that,” he said.

“From the traditions and opening ceremonies to games, everything was amazing. It was a wonderful experience.”

Ethan Hilbig and Carter Cormier