Thunder Bay Queens Make Their Mark at OWHA Provincial Championships
The Thunder Bay Queens recently showcased their skill at the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Championships, leaving a lasting impression with their stellar performances across multiple age categories.
Amidst an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, the U13 Thunder Bay Queens, the youngest squad in attendance, showcased extraordinary skill and determination. Their electrifying performance led them to clinch the silver medal, narrowly missing out on the gold to the formidable Stoney Creek Sabres, the province's top-ranked team. Despite their valiant effort, the Queens came up just short with a final score of 3-1. Their silver medal triumph marked a significant achievement for the team and organization, as it had been 11 years since a Queens team last played for gold and the youngest competitive team to medal. Adding to the camaraderie and spirit of the event, all five travelling Queens teams were in attendance to cheer on their U13 counterparts. Their collective presence electrified the crowd, creating a memorable atmosphere of unity and encouragement within the Thunder Bay Queens organization.
The Queens' success at the U13 level was not the only highlight of the weekend. The Mallon's Play It Again Sports U18AA team advanced to the quarter-finals, facing off against the Waterloo Ravens in a fiercely contested match. While their journey ended at this stage, their performance underscored the depth of talent and competitiveness this team has shown all year. In addition, the presence of the BFL U15A Queens, the U15AA Queens, the Half-Way Motors U18A Queens, and the U22 Queens at the championships exemplified the breadth of talent and dedication within the program. Throughout the tournament, the Queens showcased resilience and sportsmanship, maneuvering through intense competition marked by numerous ties and slim point differentials. Despite the challenges, they demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level and left a lasting mark on the tournament.
The success of the TBWHA Thunder Bay Queens is owed in part to the support of the Thunder Bay Hockey Community, a heartfelt thank you extends to Lakehead Minor Hockey Association, Thunder Bay Minor Hockey Association, and the Thunder Bay Kings for their support of the interlock games and exhibition series, providing the Queens teams with invaluable opportunities to play and compete locally. These opportunities, made possible by the commitment of our dedicated coaches, managers, and volunteers has built a strong foundation of competition within the local hockey community that has fostered the Queens' success and has been instrumental in the program's growth and accomplishments.
The significance of the Queens' achievements highlights the strength and vibrancy of women's hockey in Thunder Bay. Their performances serve as inspiration for aspiring young female athletes in Northern Ontario, reaffirming their status as a prominent fixture in provincial hockey circles. With gratitude for the support received and determination to tackle future challenges, the Queens are poised to continue their pursuit of excellence, further solidifying their place among Ontario's elite.
