By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – The Sask First program is excited to welcome players from across the province to the Female and Male Under-18 (U18) tournaments held simultaneously from April 12-14, 2024.

For the Female U18 Top 80 Tournament, 2007- and 2008-born athletes will hit the ice first thing in the morning on Friday, April 12, for team practices at the Balgonie Arena in Balgonie.

Female athletes will then compete on four (4) teams in a round-robin competition. Tournament action begins on Friday afternoon featuring games throughout the weekend and culminates with the A and B Finals on Sunday, April 14.

“We are at a pivotal phase in the Sask First program as we prepare to select the top talents for Team Saskatchewan and gear up for the 2024 National Women’s U18 Championship," said Joel Houseman, Director of Operations of Sask First. "For the Female players, it's not just about the games ahead but about seizing the opportunity to showcase your hockey prowess. This event serves as a crucial stepping stone for these athletes, offering a pathway to higher levels of hockey and the chance to represent their province on a national stage.”

Female U18 Tournament Hub – Click For Rosters/Schedule

With sponsorship from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Hockey Saskatchewan will also welcome athletes to the Male U18 Top 160 Tournament, which is a high-performance program exclusive to the province and the players it generates.

These male athletes born in 2006, 2007, and 2008 will hit the ice on Friday, April 12, for team practices at the Co-operators Centre in Regina.

Male athletes will then compete on eight (8) teams in a round-robin competition. Tournament action begins on Friday afternoon featuring games throughout the weekend and culminates with the A, B, C, and D Finals on Sunday, April 14.

“As we gear up for the Male tournament, we recognize its unparalleled significance for these players. This tournament stands out as a unique platform, possibly the only one of its kind in Canada tailored exclusively for U18 athletes as they conclude minor-level hockey," said Houseman. "Under one roof, there will be scouts attending from potentially 46 teams across the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League, SJHL, and Western Hockey League. For these players, it could be the defining moment, potentially opening doors to higher levels of hockey and/or advanced education opportunities.”

Male U18 Tournament Hub – Click For Rosters/Schedule

This dual event would not be possible without the referees and linespersons selected to officiate the Sask First tournaments. They will be officiating games and be supervised and evaluated with the aid of Saskatchewan Officiating Development Model (SODM) official coaches and experienced officials.

For more information on Hockey Saskatchewan and the Sask First program, please visit www.hockeysask.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

About SASK FIRST

The Sask First program, introduced by Hockey Saskatchewan in 1988, has been a source of immense pride and achievement in our province. This high-performance initiative was crafted with the dual goal of enhancing the game's comprehension and nurturing the growth of exceptional players, coaches, trainers, officials, and administrators. It empowers participants, enriching them as individuals, fostering self-satisfaction, and enhancing their enjoyment within the hockey community.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 40,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.