Regina minor hockey team contending for Good Deeds Cup

The Regina Rebels have cracked the Top 3 in their hunt for the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup.

Coach Nathan Strueby said the team held a get-together Saturday night as they awaited the results.

“The girls were downstairs and we had both TVs on. Heard some screaming and when we looked, we realized we were Top 3,” Strueby said.

Earlier this year, the peewee girls team gained national recognition by making the Top 10 for their work with special needs hockey, winning $2,000 for their charity of choice.

That prize was their reward for fundraising more than $4,000 for a boy with special needs. The proceeds went toward equipment so he could skate with the Regina Super HEROS — a hockey team for kids with special needs.

The girls also travelled to Calgary to play the Calgary Super HEROS.

“These girls are something different. They’re awesome,” Strueby said. “I’ve done probably the least with  all this. They ran with it. I basically gave the greenlight for a few things. They do all the work.”

Strueby said the Rebels took an interest in the program because one of their players has a sister participating in it. That girl had never played hockey before.

If the Rebels win the whole thing, an even bigger purse awaits — $100,000 for their chosen charity.

But the coach already considers them winners, with all the recognition they’ve received and friendships made.

“These girls, I think they already realize, that no matter what happens … bonds within our team will last a long time and bonds with the Super HEROS program will last a long time,” he said.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re settling.

“They’re competitive. I’m competitive. Of course, we definitely want to win it all and help with the Super HEROS a little bit more if we could,” Strueby said.

Winner of the Good Deeds Cup will be announced Feb. 29 on Hockey Night in Canada.