Subscribe to our daily newsletter
The Kinistino Tigers (white) meet the Wadena Wildcats in Game 3 of the league championship. (Wadena Wildcats Senior Hockey/Facebook)
KINISTINO TIGERS

Kinistino Tigers fall to Wadena in league championship; still proud of the season

Mar 29, 2022 | 8:00 AM

After COVID-19 put a pause on last season, a northeast hockey team was thrilled to be back on the ice with the league championship in sight.

The Kinistino Tigers met the Wadena Wildcats in the finals for the Wheatland Senior Hockey League this past weekend.

Unfortunately, luck was not on the Tigers’ side as Wadena claimed the battle of the cats with a 5-2 win in Game 3, claiming the league championship.

While the loss was bittersweet for the team, manager Kris Babbings was grateful they got back to the finals.

“We’ve been in there a lot in the last few years so that’s always our goal is just to get there, and it was good to be able to get back, especially after not playing a full season with COVID. We obviously wanted to play as much as possible.”

(Twitter/Kinistino Tigers)

Looking back on the season, Babbings said the team had to shake off some rust having not played a full season in a long time. As the team got further into the year, Babbings said they were able to focus more on hockey.

The year, however, didn’t come without its fair share of challenges.

“There’s lots of nights we were going shorthanded, but I think that was pretty common across senior hockey in Saskatchewan everywhere. Lots of ups and downs in the season, but we finished third and we’re pretty comfortable with that.”

One thing that helped spark the team for the season was the support they got from the hometown crowd. Babbings added it was great to see the support from businesses, fans and sponsors and to give back to the community.

“It was a chance to be at the rink and be together in a little bit of normalcy. As everyone knows, it’s a long winter here in Saskatchewan and we’re another outlet to help pass that time and provide some great entertainment for everyone.”

Now that the year has wrapped up, the Tigers are already looking forward to next season and bringing the community together once again.

“There’s lots of local talent and names that people would know, but then there’s also lots of former junior and even some Western Hockey League players. It’s still just as good of hockey to come watch senior hockey. So, definitely go check out a game next winter and we look forward to being back on the ice again.”

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @pa_craddock

View Comments