Bears' netminder Annika Neufeldt had a very busy outing Sunday night, facing a total of 41 shots. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

End of the season

Mann Northway Northern Bears eliminated from playoffs

Mar 10, 2025 | 12:00 PM

No one can argue the fact the Mann Northway Northern Bears did not go down without a fight.

Game 2 of the Sask. Female U18 AAA best-of-three series with the Swift Current Wildcats went to a third overtime period, however much to the disappointment of the hometown fans at the Art Hauser Center, decked out in orange and black attire, Swift Current forward Laynee Rondeau broke the 1-1 tie and clinched the series at the 1:49 mark of the sixth frame. Bears Head coach Steve Young acknowledged it was a tough loss.

“I thought our girls did everything we needed to do as a hockey club to compete and play against swift current and unfortunately came up short so a tough loss for our girls that’s for sure,” he said.

Trailing 1-0 for the better part of the game, Bears’ forward Londyn Hoffman tied the game at the 17:05 mark of the third period. Alexa Kobley and Kyla Benjamin picked up the assists.

Hoffman celebrates with her teammates. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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Bears’ Netminder Annika Neufeldt stopped 40 shots and on more than one occasion made a game saving stop. Young noted Neufeldt is one of the team’s nine graduating players.

“You know I thought this year she really really came into her own and was the type of goalie she can be and you know she was one of those ones last night, but that stood tall for us. You know I think as a goaltender you always feel responsible for wins and losses, but she had no reason last night to feel that way.”

Reflecting on the fact next season’s team will look a lot different, Young noted his own confidence each of the young women, now moving into a different stage of their lives, will be very successful.

“There are girls that have really helped the Bears’ organization and I know we’re supposed to help them but at the same time they’ve helped us and you know I think down the road they’re gonna be very successful people in whatever they choose to do.”

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The Bears finished the regular season with a record of 10-15-2-3, and both playoff games against the Wildcats went to overtime. With respect to season highlights, Young noted at the Firestarter tournament, he realized early on there was instant chemistry between the players. At the Canadian Crown tournament in October, the team emerged victorious.

“I thought the girls all worked together as a group and they were up and down during the season but at the same time, they were always excited and eager to play.”

Confirming he and the whole staff will be back next season, Young said the team still has a good nucleus of players moving forward and will continue to build as the Bears organization.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social