The Wainwright Rustlers Hockey team have skated away with the Alberta senior AA title for 2023.
Playing before a full barn over the Easter weekend, hockey lovers had their cheers answered as their stars delivered a 6-1 result over the Siksika Buffaloes in the gold medal game. The magic did not stop there alone as Wainwright’s Jr. B hockey team also won their provincial bid.
Rustlers GM Josh Copeland said it’s a testament to the program structure including players, coaches and the community spirit.
“Our whole team buy-in for the weekend for sure. Definitely our sponsors and the fans and everyone. Everyone volunteers that works with the team – me included.”
Over the years the club has hosted provincially a couple times and they are excited to have finally scored provincial glory. The Rustlers got bronze in 2016 in Nanton and hosted in 2017 and 2019.
Copeland said they are pleased with the turnout and community support especially as the tournament was held over the Easter weekend. They will look forward to the next season and the prospects that it will bring.
“Just getting the guys excited to be on the ice again and hopefully playing some good hockey – because we did get knocked out in the playoffs this year, in the first round for the first time in nine years. It wasn’t the best season league-wise, but we did make up for it in provincials.”
The team will have its year-end banquet in a few weeks and the next season will begin to ramp up with a golf tournament in September.