Four TRHL Teams Set to Compete in Senior Provincials

The Twin Rivers Hockey League (TRHL) has announced that four of its teams will compete in the upcoming senior provincials, all placed within the same bracket. The clubs—Shellbrook Elks, Hague Royals, Birch Hills Blackhawks, and Allan Flames—will participate in the highly competitive Provincial ‘D’ bracket, which features a total of 26 teams.

According to HockeySask, Shellbrook is noted for its recent success, having last won a provincial championship in 2012 when they claimed the Senior ‘A’ title. Both Birch Hills and Hague have also enjoyed provincial victories, with the Blackhawks winning the Senior ‘C’ championship in 1993 and the Royals in 1983. In contrast, Allan has yet to secure a provincial title, adding an element of urgency to their quest this season.

The standings in the TRHL are closely contested, with each of the four teams within five points of one another. Currently, the reigning league champions Allan lead the group, sitting in third place with a record of 8-4-1 (wins-losses-overtime losses). Shellbrook follows closely in fifth with an 8-5-0 record, while Hague is eighth at 6-5-1 and Birch Hills ninth at 6-7-0.

Matchups Set for First Round

In the first round of the playoffs, Shellbrook will face the Blaine Lake Raiders, marking a significant moment as it is the Raiders’ first provincial team in over 30 years. Blaine Lake currently leads the Sask. Prairie Hockey League with an impressive record of 10-0-0, making them one of the few undefeated senior teams in the province.

Meanwhile, Hague will go up against the Kelvington Wheat Kings, who are in their second season since returning to the Wheatland Senior Hockey League after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wheat Kings last celebrated a championship in 2012 when they played in the now-defunct Fishing Lake Hockey League.

The third first-round matchup will see Birch Hills take on the Hudson Bay Hunters, who also recently joined the WSHL, having transitioned from the Sask. East Hockey League in 2022. The Hunters last won a title in 2013 while competing in the Fishing Lake Hockey League.

Allan Secures Bye into Second Round

Allan Flames are one of six teams that have received a bye into the second round of the senior ‘D’ playoffs. They will be set to play against the Ituna Avalanche from the Prairie Men’s Hockey League. The Avalanche, established in 2020, have yet to secure a championship but came close last season, finishing as runners-up in their league.

The first round matchups will commence later this month, with all series needing to conclude by February 2. This tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and competition, as these teams aim for provincial glory.