UNITY -- March started off with a burst of playoff action for sports in Kerrobert, Unity and Wilkie. Curling, hockey, basketball, wrestling and figure skating would all be part of significant events as part of their seasons.
Curling
Battle West junior district curling championships were held March 1-2 in Spiritwood. McLurg junior mixed team won a bronze medal while Unity Composite High School mixed team had to defeat Spiritwood twice to win the championship.
Senior high curlers competed in regional competition March 4-5 in Saskatoon. The McLurg mixed team were in action at the CN Curling Club, losing to Maidstone in the double knockout event. They rebounded beating Holy Cross March 5 morning but were unable to defeat a strong Bishop Mahoney team thus ending their regional playdowns. The McLurg boys had a strong start winning two decisive victories against Lloydminster and St. Joseph on opening day of competition. Day two the McLurg team had a tough loss against Spiritwood putting them in a last chance game against St. Joseph which they were not able to repeat day one victory, eliminating them.
The UCHS girls team, after receiving a bye on opening day, had a great back and forth game against Evan Hardy Collegiate but were outdrawn by the Hardy skip losing in the last end. This dropped the UCHS girls to the B event in which they rebounded winning a decisive victory over St. Joseph High School setting them up against Rosetown for the next game March 5. Another win earned them a B final game playing St. Walburg. however the St Walburg team came out shooting the lights out, defeating UCHS ending their hopes for a provincial berth.
Team Lloyd Fell of Wilkie and team Brad Heidt of Kerrobert competed at the senior men's provincial curling championships. Both teams, in triple knockout format, found themselves in the C event, hoping to win a playoff berth. Heidt was eliminated before playoffs while Lloyd Fell earned a berth in the 3 vs 4 page playoff game, however was unable to advance.
Hockey
The Wilkie Outlaws beat the Kindersley Klippers in game four to advance to the Sask. West Hockey League final. Macklin Mohawks were also hoping to win their way to the final with a game four win over the Edam 3 Stars, playing March. 5. However they lost 5-2 leaving them to a game five in Macklin March 12.
The U15 Lazers, experiencing a successful season, are playing game one of the northern provincial final March 8 against Nipawin. The team also beat Kindersley in the opening round of league playoffs and would play game two at home on March 6.
In other provincial minor hockey playoffs, Kerrobert U18 Tigers are playing U18 Macklin Mohawks.
Macklin U15 will play Carrot River/Lashburn while the U13 team will complete their series with Meunster hoping to win their way to the next phase of provincial playoffs.
League playoffs have begun for all teams in all divisions. The U11 and U9 divisions will hold their league playoffs March 11-12 weekend in a tournament-style event.
Basketball
High school basketball teams played their final tune-up weekend before SHSAA conference playoffs take place March 11-12 weekend. Unity Composite High School girls held their annual pink game fundraiser to benefit breast cancer, leading up to their home tournament.
Wrestling
McLurg wrestlers were more than excited to get back to competitive action after a pandemic pause prescribed by the SHSAA. The team competed March 5 in Outlook at regional playdowns. Wilkie boys' team brought home the 3A regional title, again, and were only seven points behind the 5A male team champions who had almost double the number of wrestlers.
Other results included: Kaidin McGinnis, gold for single match points; Scott Huber, gold; Andy Gallernault, gold (most tech falls of the tournament and fastest tech of the tournament); Darren Toothill, gold; and Cody Bleier, silver. Coach Kent also gave a shout out to Daylin Leslie who showed tremendous heart with only five practices and he says he can't wait to see what can be accomplished next year.
The Wilkie girls came in second with outstanding placings and nothing lower than silver, two points from repeating again, finishing with a winning percentage. of 90. Results were: Zara Meier, gold; Piper Kent, gold; Arhya Thomas, silver with first and second fastest pin of the tournament.
Unity Warriors results were Shawn Dyck, silve, and Steyn Hoogstand, bronze.
Figure Skating
Unity Skating Club would host their annual ice carnival March 6 afternoon in the Community Centre, showcasing the talent and skills in a show entitled "Road Trip."
