2018 Alberta Pro League Champions

August 05, 2018

Congratulations to the Inaugural Season Champions, Sherwood Park Archers. They had a great run all season long sitting above the pack from the very beginning. Although the other 4 teams had them on the ropes a few times, the Archers would never quit and always played to the last buzzer. Their only two losses came with a June 1st shootout loss against Edmonton and from Red Deer on June 9th when they scored the go ahead goal with 11 seconds left in the game.

The Archers continued being the team to beat all through the playoff tournament with only the Calgary Outlaws coming close to upsetting them, but still a similar outcome as Calgary fell short with 9 goals to the Archers 10. After their last round robin game against Calgary the stage was set for the final, Red Deer taking on Sherwood Park in their home rink of Ardrossan. It was a perfect matchup for the winner take all final game, The Reign were the team that consistently gave the Archers problems all year. The final was no different as the Reign took a 5-1 lead after the second period and had the Archers been any other team we might have been looking at a blow out. The Archers regrouped at half and fought back by scoring 5 straight to take the lead 6-5. With eight minutes remaining Red Deer managed to tie it up. For the remainder of the game the chances went back and forth but no one could put one in and so it had to be settled in Overtime. Last goal wins, winner take all. And a minute into OT that goal came from Cole Sonstelie, 3rd in scoring for the Archers in the regular season and playoff tournament. A dangerous player when left in front of the net alone.

Season 1 is in the books and once the summer is over we are ready to start planning for 2019. If you are interested in more information on the Pro League contact alberta.pro.rollerhockey@gmail.com