SOUTH BRUCE – The South Bruce U15 girls’ hockey team has wrapped up a truly remarkable season filled with milestones, memories, and achievements that made history for the program, team officials state.
After progressing from a house league team to competing in their very first season at the Rep level, “the girls showed just how far passion, teamwork, and determination can take you,” states a press release from the team.
Over “42 exciting games,” the team compiled an outstanding record of 28 wins, 12 losses, and 2 ties. They scored a total of 104 goals while allowing just 41 — less than one goal per game — “a testament to their hard work on both sides of the puck.”
Among their many highlights, the team captured the championship at their first-ever entry into the prestigious Pink on the Rink tournament. They didn’t stop there — the team went on to win their first OWHA playdowns, claiming the Region ‘V’ title, defeated two local arch-rivals and were ultimately crowned U15 Overall WOAA Champions. To top it off, they delivered a strong showing at their first OWHA Provincial Championship, proudly representing their community on the provincial stage.
‘Incredible journey’
“The team’s incredible journey was made possible by the unwavering support of their families, friends, and the broader community,” team officials state, noting “special thanks” go out to Harley’s Pub & Perk, the Mildmay Optimist Club, Trillium Mutual, Pete Inglis, Councillor Jeff Goetz, and all the families and friends who contributed to the fundraising efforts that “helped make the dream of competing at the OWHA Provincials a reality.”
Thanks were also offered to the “dedicated bench staff: Shawn, Jim, Vicky, and Holly — for their leadership and commitment to the players’ growth, and to the parent group for their tireless support throughout the season.
“Most of all, congratulations to this outstanding group of athletes who approached each day with the right attitude, the right effort, and a relentless desire to improve. Your hard work and spirit have made your community proud.
“We salute you!”

COUBURG – The Cargill Rookies broomball team had an impressive season, going undefeated across several tournaments and once again claiming provincial gold.

The squad started their winning season in a tournament in Harriston in early February, sweeping four opponents with shutouts. The Rookies downed the Palmerston Golden Boys 2-0, Keady Livestock 2-0, the Mildmay Sr. Moose 1-0 and the Arron Lakers 1-0 to win the tournament. Goals were scored by Kurt McGill, Darrel Reinhart, Ben Reinhart, Don Valad, Shawn Bishop and Derek Haelzle with assists from Bill Fortney, Adam Fortney, Colin Riley, Ben Reinhart, Derek Ransom, Darrel Reinhart and Justin Schieck.

From there, the team proceeded to the Palmerston Central West Regional Tournament to compete in Masters Division from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23. 

The Rookies downed the Palmerston Golden Boys in the first game of the match 3-0 and Keady Livestock 3-0 in the finals. Goals were scored by Ransome, Schieck, Riley, Reinhart (two) and McGill with assists from Bill Fortney (two), Darrel Reinhart, Ben Reinhart, Dave Reinhart, Haelzle, Adam Fortney and Ransome.

The team then traveled to Cobourg for the Ontario Provincials Tournament to play in the Masters Division against five other teams including Keady, Palmerston, the Barrie D.O.A., the Ottawa Fat Les Selects and the Ottawa EOQ Legends.

Game one saw the Rookies edge out the Livestock 1-0, while game two saw the Fat Les Selects fall 1-0 to the Rookies. In the final game of the tournament, the Rookies downed the Fat Les Selects 2-0 for provincial gold.

Goals were scored by Rick Ferris, Schieck, Dave Reinhart and Darrel Reinhart. 

Assists were credited to Riley, Darrel Reinhart, Craig Cornelius and McGill.

In total, over three tournaments, the team played nine games and earned nine shutouts with goaltenders Andrew Behrs and Al Walter supporting the wins, and helping the Rookies earn provincial gold for the second year in a row.