By Scott Roblin

U14 Tropics cap off magical season with provincial gold on home ice

Mar 11, 2018 | 6:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Tropics U14 ringette team had only played at home a handful of times this year.

So, it was fitting that their biggest game of the season was a rare chance for friends, family, and fans to watch one of the most dominant minor ringette teams in the province.

The Tropics hit the ice Sunday against the Bowview Edge in the gold medal final for the 2018 U14 Provincial Ringette Tournament, which was held in the ‘Gas City.’

Bowview was able to stake themselves to a 2-1 lead early in the second half, but the Tropics brought the hometown fans to their feet with a tying goal to even up the game at 2-2.

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Cue centre Marin Sinclair, who executed a perfect give-and-go play midway through the period to give Medicine Hat a one-goal.

It was a lead Medicine Hat never relinquished, stymieing Bowview’s offence to win provincial gold by a 3-2 final.

Head coach John Karamanos said it’s been a grind all season, but the hard work from his girls has paid off.

“It feels really great,” said Karamanos. “It’s been a long season, we played over 50 games this year where we’ve only lost two or three games. So, we’ve worked really hard as a team to earn the [title of] provincial champions.”

Finishing first place in their division by a mile, the Tropics also began the season with a lengthy 27-game undefeated streak that stretched into mid-January.

Sinclair said from the opening game of the season, they’ve been able to execute thanks to their coaching and leadership.

“Coaching is a big part of it, they’ve helped us through a lot.”

Karamanos said he’s thrilled for the graduating players, winning a provincial title before moving on to the next level of ringette.

“It’s their first gold, provincial win as a ringette player for most of them,” he said. “Seven move on together to U16 A now and the other ones that stay continue another season. So, they’re just going to take the passion of the game and continue.”

Adding to a growing trophy cabinet this year, the Tropics were previous winners of the Ed Horvath Ringette Tournament in Medicine Hat and the Esso Golden Rings Tournament in Calgary.

Another Medicine Hat club in the U12 B Edge were in provincial action over the weekend as well, taking home a ninth place finish in Strathmore.