(Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks/Facebook)

By Ryan Lambert

U18 Women's National Hockey Championships

Battlefords WPD Ambulance Sharks sending seven players to U18 National Championships with Team Saskatchewan

Oct 31, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The National U18 Women’s Hockey Championship will be happening on Nov. 2-8 in Mount Bay NL. Eight teams will be competing for the gold medal, with two groups of four teams competing in group play. Team Saskatchewan will be in a group with Manitoba, as well as Ontario Red and Blue.

Seven players from the WPD Ambulance Sharks are taking the trip east for the tournament. Sharks captain Danika Dureau, Kahli Keen, Ayden Kehrig, Savannah Mucha, Anneka Aspaas, Sarah McNabb and Maggie Rauckman will be the Sharks players with Team Saskatchewan.

Sharks head coach Nolan Horbach talked about how proud he and the team are of the girls who will be playing for Team Saskatchewan in the upcoming tournament.

“It speaks volumes as to the kind of girls that we recruited. We knew they were obviously skilled, but to see them go through and develop to the point of having the chance to show their skill set at the national stage is pretty rewarding as a coach and obviously as a team,” said Horbach. “We’re going to be extremely excited to watch them.”

Horbach also spoke on how playing the top players in the country will only help his players when they are back with the Sharks. “There’s kind of big pressure moments against some of the best kids in Canada. I know the game is going to be elevated. I think that only bodes well for us as we get back into it after what’ll be a long break.”

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This isn’t a new experience for Sharks defenceman Ayden Kehrig. She was at nationals last year, and the experience could be essential for her in this coming tournament. “It’s really hard as a first year. I wasn’t ready for the pace, but you adjust to it really quick and it’s some of the best hockey I’ve ever played. Very good competition,” said Kehrig.

Sharks forward Anneka Aspaas talked about how important it is to represent the Sharks, and how she thinks having so many Sharks players going will help out their play.

“Being a part of Team Sask means a lot, and to represent the Battlefords Sharks and showcase what we have is really special in all areas. I think it’ll be really cool and we know how we all play together… We know where we’re going to be on the ice and everything. It’ll be really cool to utilize that in our game,” said Aspaas.

Savannah Mucha added how the team’s chemistry will help out in Newfoundland. “It’ll make it way easier to connect with them, move the puck, knowing where they’re going to be. Just to have your supportive teammates beside you and like the girls that you’re going to play with too, and it’ll just make everything easier.”

Going to the tournament is a significant achievement, and Sharks Maggie Rauckman isn’t taking it for granted. “It’s a big deal, once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m going to make sure and take it all in, make some memories, just make the most of (it),” said Rauckman.

Sharks defender Kahli Keen is ready to not only play against top competition, but to soak in the entire experience as well. “It’s very exciting to go to this big tournament to see all these different provinces and play against them. It’s the best of the best and it’s going to be exciting to see how I do and where I sit, make new friends and meet new people.”

Team captain Danika Dureau knows that she represents the Sharks, but also something much bigger than herself.

“I think playing in Battleford, it really shows like, I’d say it shows a lot like of how hard you can work, doesn’t matter where you are. If you’re in a big city or you’re coming from a small town, just always work and follow your dreams. It means a lot to me to represent my culture, being First Nation and coming from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. It means a lot to me to represent that and having a bunch of support from back home.”

Dureau has experience at the national stage, having played for team Saskatchewan at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship, and playing lacrosse at the North American Indigenous Games.

The Battlefords represented Saskatchewan team will have their first game of the tournament on Nov. 2, when they face off with Ontario Blue.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com