The 19U team at Purcell Hockey Academy (PHA) played host to the Hockey Training Institute (HTI) Stars U20 girls team from Utopia, Ontario on the weekend and came up with three straight victories.

The first game of the series took place on Friday, October 10 at the Memorial Arena in Cranbrook.  PHA won the closely-contested game 6-3 with a late empty-net goal sealing the victory.

Flora Pasztor and Freya Ekberg led the way for PHA with two goals apiece while Aleandre Elibani and Elsa Rodriguez Camacho chipped in with singles. Malgorzata Zakrzewska contributed three assists with singles going to Keeli Marsden, Carlota Castellanos, Ruby Dziuba, Vera Stastkova, Breeanna Longley, Elsa Rodriguez Camacho, and Anna McKee.  Kennah Brant had a strong game between the pipes and earned the victory.

The second game of the series took place on Saturday, October 11 at the Civic Centre in Kimberley.  It marked PHA’s first official home game ever and was commemorated with a ceremonial puck drop by Chief Joe Pierre and City of Kimberley Councillor Jason McBain (pictured above).

PHA came ready to play and rolled to a second straight victory on the strength of two-goal performances from Aneta Paroubkova, Freya Ekberg and Malgorzata Zakrzewska.  Vera Stastkova also lit the lamp for PHA with assists going to Anna McKee with four, Hannah Dickinson with two, Flora Pasztor with two, and Jordyn Miller with one.  Kennah Brant had another strong game in net for PHA.

The final game of the series took place on Sunday, October 12, again at the Civic Centre in Kimberley.  Despite the early-morning game time, PHA played with energy and enthusiasm, this time earning a 10-2 victory.

The scoring was widely distributed with Breeanna Longley leading the way with two goals.  Individual markers went to Justine Kruhlak, Ruby Dziuba, Malgorzata Zakrzewska, Flora Pasztor, Carlota Castellanos, Keeli Marsden, Aneta Paroubkova, and Vera Stastkova.  Assists went to Flora Pasztor with four, Malgorzata Zakrzewska with three, Freya Ekberg with two, and Alejandra Radcliffe, Justine Kruhlak, Ruby Dziuba, Johanna Meissner, Carlota Castellanos, and Aneta Paroubkova with one each.  Jadeyn Leung had a great game in net for PHA.

Head coach Megean Hostasek was proud of her group and commended them on playing well together as a team.  In a post-game interview, she highlighted finishing plays and backchecking as keys to PHA’s success.  When asked to summarize the weekend in three words, Hostasek choose passion, heart and fun as the best way to characterize her team’s approach to the games and success on the scoreboard.

PHA’s General Manager Al Wozney said: “As an organization, we are very happy with the way the 19U team has progressed early in the season with the team’s culture really starting to shine. Coach Megan and the 19U coaching staff stress team play, hard work and commitment to their players.  I am excited to see what the future holds for this group.”

PHA’s 19U squad will next see action when they travel Burlington, VT for the prestigious Fall Foliage Classic.

Last year, PHA’s 19U team won the tournament and will be looking to defend its championship on this trip.  The team would like to thank community members in both Kimberley and Cranbrook for the great fan support at all three games this weekend and encourages them to tune in via livestream for their upcoming games in Vermont.

For more information on Purcell Hockey Academy, follow both the 19U and 16U teams on Instagram and Facebook at @purcellhockey or email [email protected].

Photos submitted

Purcell Hockey Academy

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