Sabres celebrate historic first goal

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/11/2018 (1967 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Jamie Peters started the SRSS football program nearly a decade ago, there was a sharp learning curve in the early going as the Sabres went winless in their first two seasons, which ultimately paved the way for a pair of division championships in recent years.

That is exactly what is occurring with the fledgling SRSS girls’ hockey program as they are feeling their way through their inaugural season in the Winnipeg Women’s High School Hockey League.

The Sabres are winless in their first eight games in the loop. And in fact, although the team has been showing a steady and noticeable improvement in their on-ice performance to date, there has been one thing lacking. And that is, they had to yet to score this season, until Monday that is.

That monumental first goal of the season and first goal ever in league play for the Sabres, came in a 2-1 loss to the Murdoch MacKay Clansmen Monday in Winnipeg.

Trailing 2-0 in the second period, Sydney Ouellet took a pass from team captain Kendra Wiens and beat Murdoch MacKay goaltender Samantha Robert.

That historic first goal set off quite a celebration said head coach Kaleigh Henrikson. “Players, parents, coaches, we all celebrated,” said Henrikson.

Henrikson says although the Sabres remain winless this season, “the girls have always remained positive, this is such a milestone for them and it is a stepping stone as they continue to improve.”

The Sabres only lost 3-0 to West Kildonan in their season opener and then 2-0 to this same Murdoch MacKay team. And in their fifth game they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to West Kildonan.

Murdoch MacKay is currently third in the seven-team Hire Marketing Division 3 standings with a 7-3-0 record, so far the Sabres to be able to compete with the Clansmen is an accomplishment in itself.

Henrikson says she sees the improvement in these girls everytime they are on the ice, “we are the youngest team, we have the most grade 9’s and 10’s, and we now have such a confidence boost as we carry on with our season.”

The Sabres will next be in action Monday in Steinbach as they host the College Pierre Elliott Trudeau Canadiennes at 3:30 p.m. at the T.G. Smith Centre.