The AEHL’s U16AA Division has completed their regional playoffs and now look towards the 2025 Provincial Championships, taking place in Camrose from March 20-23. Read below for each conference champion’s path through the playoffs.
Metro Conference – PAC Energy Crane Saints
After going 2-1-0 to finish second in their pool in round robin play, PAC matched up against the SPKAC Senators in their Metro Conference semi-final, coming out on top with a 5-1 victory. Dzeo McNaughton led the way with three points, setting up a finals match against SSAC. Going down into the third period 4-3, PAC tied the game halfway through the period, leading the way for Kellan McLeod to score the game winning goal in the final minutes of the game to clinch the Metro Conference championship for the Saints. PAC now looks to carry that momentum and represent the Metro well in Canmore.
Rural Conference – Lakeland Panthers
Finishing a respectable 2-0-1 and finishing second their pool in the Rural round robin, the Panthers set themselves up for a tough semi-final matchup against the Strathcona Warriors. A late stage rally from the Warriors saw the Panthers get put on the ropes as the game got sent to overtime, but Hunter Ruck became the hero that Lakeland needed, scoring just five and a half minutes into overtime to move on to the Rural Conference final. Facing off against Camrose, Lakeland had already punched their ticket to Provincials, but made a statement with a 2-0 shutout victory over the Vikings to win the Rural Conference. Will Lafrance couldn’t be stopped, recording 46 saves in the win. Lakeland also defeated the PAC Saints to win the North Championship, and now look to become provincial champions.
South Conference – Red Deer TBS Sports Chiefs
Finishing second in their round robin play with a record of 3-1-0, the Chiefs found themselves matched up against the Bow Valley Timberwolves for a trip to the South finals. Thanks to two goals each from Bryce McCrindle and Ryan Bettenson, the Chiefs won 6-3, setting up a three game final against the Okotoks Oilers. The Oilers drew blood first with a 4-3 win in Game 1, but the Chiefs never backed down and won the next two games by scores of 3-1 and 6-4 to win the South Conference championship and booked their trip to Camrose for provincials. The Chiefs hope to represent the South well to cap off a well-played season.
Calgary – NWCAA Bronks
Finishing third in their division, the Bronks faced off against the CBHA Hawks in the first round of their playoffs. After dropping Game 1 in a shootout by a score of 4-3, they rebounded and took Game 2 in a 5-3 victory. There, they pushed ahead and won the series with a 2-0 win, capped off with a 38 save shutout by Charlie Peck to propel the Bronks to the finals against the CNHA Northstars. Once again, the Bronks dropped Game 1 in overtime, 4-3, but like before, they kept pushing and won Game 2 in another 5-3 battle. In Game 3, two goals from Jun Perejma helped get the Bronks to the top of the mountain, winning Game 3 by a score of 4-1 to win the Calgary City Championship. The Bronks are now ready to head to Canmore as the Calgary representative and win another championship.
Check out all the playoff matchups from these playoffs here. The 2025 U16AA Provincials, hosted by the Camrose Vikings, begin on March 20.
