Notre Dame U18 hockey programs hoping for national success

Both the Notre Dame Hounds boys and girls under-18 AAA hockey teams are participating in national championship tournaments this week in Okotoks, Alta.

The boys are playing in the Telus Cup, while the girls are playing in the Esso Cup. The tournaments run until Sunday.

The girls began their tournament Monday with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Northern Selects from Atlantic Canada. The Hounds are to play the Fraser Valley Rush on Tuesday.

(Notre Dame Hounds Hockey/Twitter)

The Hounds boys team dropped a 5-1 decision Monday to the Moncton Flyers. Notre Dame is to face the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs on Tuesday.

Notre Dame program general manager Brett Pilkington says while the Hounds don’t know much about the teams they’re playing against, they’re hoping to bring both trophies home to Wilcox.

“When you qualify for an event like this, you’re obviously trying to win titles and its a seven-day process,” Pilkington said. “Our groups have to take it one day at a time. Whether you win or lose that day, you have to turn that page and get back on it.”

(Notre Dame Hounds Hockey/Twitter)

Both teams had to qualify during the regular season to earn their spot in nationals.

Pilkington adds these tournaments give players and programs a lot of exposure.

“Anytime you make the national title (tournament) and get the opportunity to expose yourself as a player and program, it’s very exciting and fantastic for everyone at Notre Dame there,” he said.

Pilkington mentioned having exposure on a national level helps players who are looking for Division 1 college or university scholarships.

“Our players want to move onto NCAA or U Sports, so anytime you get an opportunity to get on the ice and expose yourself to those scouts is a great opportunity,” Pilkington said.

The full schedule for the girls’ tournament can be found here, while the boys’ schedule can be found here.