By Mitch Bach

U19B Avalanche eyeing up provincial berth

Mar 1, 2017 | 4:05 PM

MEDICINE HAT — Good chemistry can mean so much to a team’s success. 

Kelli Bowles knows all about that.

The U19B Avalanche ringette player says she’s laced alongside several of the same teammates for nearly a dozen years. In that time, they’ve developed a similar playing style, complimented with greater all-around skill.

But it’s their relationship off the ice that’s helped the team to a 15-1 record and first place in their respective Calgary standings heading into playoffs.

“At our first tournament, the Turkey Ring, we did really well,” said 17-year-old Bowles. “We came out on top. Just then I knew we were going to do good. There’s no drama, we’re all basically best friends. We all love each other and play well with each other.

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“I actually get excited for practices and games. Since these are my best friends I just enjoy coming out and seeing them, and playing the sport I love.”

Bowles is finishing her final year of ringette in the Hat before heading to college. She says it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to so many great memories, but she’s also excited to make a run at a provincial championship.

“I’m super excited that we’re doing really well. It’s a great time while it lasts,” she said.

U19B provincial playdowns take place Saturday and Sunday. Medicine Hat takes on Airdrie-Cochrane in their first game Saturday, followed by a meeting against Bowview (Calgary) on Sunday.

If the Avalanche can continue their winning ways, they’ll compete for a provincial banner from March 24-26 in Lacombe.

But head coach Dieter Stanke doesn’t want to get too ahead of himself. His girls might have the most dominating record of any team at playdowns, but he says they need to play two disciplined games if they want to move on.

“We’re confident, but there’s a little bit of uncertainty,” said Stanke. “You go into a playoff round and you don’t really know what to expect. The other teams could come out flying, you have a couple bad penalties, someone gets injured… it’s tough.”