Goaltender, Cypress Classen has played an integral role in the Sharks' success this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Making Waves

Sharks goalie, Classen named SFU18AAAHL First Star for November

Dec 13, 2023 | 3:36 PM

The Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League (SFU18AAAHL) recently announced its three stars for the month of November, with a Battlefords AAA Sharks’ puck-stopper taking centre stage.

Sharks’ goalie Cypress Classen has been named the First Star for November, after posting a league-high two shutouts, along with a lights-out 1.74 goals against average and .940 save percentage over five games with the team.

At her best in her team’s biggest games, Classen’s two shutouts came in a 14-save blanking of the Swift Current Wildcats starting with a a 2-0 Sharks’ win Nov. 4. Following was a 27-save shutout to deliver a 1-0 win over the Notre Dame Hounds Nov. 19. The two clubs are directly back of the Battlefords in the league standings.

Head coach of the Sharks, Nolan Horbach said it’s great to see Classen recognized for her standout play over the last month and throughout the season.

“She’s been a huge part of our success and it’s great to see her get recognized for what she’s done,” Horbach said. “To see that not only do we know what she’s doing, but to get that recognition in the league, is something she should be very proud of.”

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Classen’s play over the last month is a continuation of what’s been an incredible first season of U18 AAA for the 16-year-old. She suited up for nine of her team’s 14 games through the first half of the season, posting a 4-5-0 record with a standout 2.29 goals against average and .930 save percentage, the latter of which is tied for tops in the league.

On making the jump to the AAA level this year, Classen said she’s grateful for all those around her who have helped ease the transition, allowing her to play at her best.

“I have a lot of support, and especially with my coaches,” she said. “With [goalie coach] Sheldon [Goertzen] I’m always learning new things. Also having Mac (Mackenzie Seth) as my goalie partner, we just work really well together and she’s my number one supporter so that helps a lot.”

Rounding out the SFU18AAAHL’s Three Stars of the Month for November are Second Star, Eden Carious of the Notre Dame Hounds, who scored eight points (four goals, four assists) in four games; and Third Star, Kiah Shiels of the Weyburn Gold Wings, who tallied seven points (six goals, one assist) in seven games.

Anneka Aspaas – October First Star of the Month

Classen’s recognition gives the Sharks the league’s First Star for a second straight month, following the selection of Battlefords’ forward Anneka Aspaas as First Star for October.

Anneka Aspaas, pictured here in action with the AAA Sharks. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Aspaas, who tallied five goals and six points in seven games over the month of October, currently sits fourth in Sharks’ team scoring with seven points on the season.

The AAA Sharks will return to action this weekend for their final two games ahead of the Christmas break, in Regina. Saturday’s game will be a 5 p.m. start, with Sunday’s a 1 p.m. puck drop at Regina’s Co-operators Centre.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1