(Prince Albert Northern Bears/Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

Root for the home team

P.A. Northern Bears calling on all fans as team departs to Esso Cup Saturday

May 13, 2022 | 3:56 PM

The Prince Albert Northern Bears will be hitting the road on Saturday to Okotoks, Alta. for the 2022 Esso Cup.

The Bears are calling on all fans to come to the Art Hauser Centre at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday to support the girls as they leave for the tournament. Those who want to show their support are asked to bring signs, wear Bears colours, as well as get loud and cheer. Their bus will leave at 10 a.m.

Head coach Steve Young told paNOW it’s been a long season for the girls and to start off the trip with fan support would be exciting.

“We don’t get to host it at home this year so that’s tough for them so the more fan support they see before they get on the road would be awesome for them,” he said. “They are going to have fans [at the tournament] but probably not as many so I think. For these girls, enthusiasm is a big part of their game and to see something like that would be good.”

The Bears were supposed to host the tournament in Prince Albert but was cancelled multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hockey Canada eventually moved it to Okotoks, however the Bears will still be the host team.

Grey Cup!!!

Everything you wanted and more

Nov 21, 2025

12 Best Tips to Spend Less at Christmas

Nov 18, 2025

Cybercrime response

Prince Albert Police Service 'limited in scope' to properly investigate fraud crimes

Nov 17, 2025

From May 16 to 22, six teams from across Canada will compete to win Canada’s National Women’s U18 Club Championship; including the Fraser Valley Rush (Pacific), Northern Selects (Atlantic), Notre Dame Hounds (West), Remparts Du Richelieu (Quebec), Durham West Lightning (Ontario) and the host Bears.

Young said the players are excited but anxious for this new experience.

“We know there’s only six teams going there, and our route is a little bit different but they’re a good group of players that have stayed focused through all of this, so I think they’re just excited and ready to play,” Young added.

The Bears finished the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League with a record of 10-15-1-4 before being knocked out of the playoffs by the Saskatoon Stars. This is the Bears second Esso Cup appearance after winning the west region in 2017.

Young explained the most important advice the coaching staff has implemented with the team to go there and play the type of game they’ve practiced and developed all year, and the rest will fall into place.

“In a tournament like this I know it’s five games in five days for sure, and it could be up to seven in seven. It’s important that you just conquer one day at a time,” he explained.

—

Ian.Gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @IanGustafson12