To qualify for soccer provincials is an achievement in itself. To win provincial gold is an extraordinary accomplishment.
This past weekend, two Bonnyville teams pulled off the amazing feat. The U12 girls, playing in Edson, and the U16 girls, playing in Stettler, both went undefeated in four games and were crowned this year's provincial champions.
But the success did not stop there for Bonnyville's soccer teams.
Both the U12 and U16 boys teams lost only one game during their provincial tournaments and took home bronze medals for their effort.
Bonnyville's other provincially qualified team, the U18 boys, faced some tough competition, losing two crucial matches, but still managed to end the tournament on a winning note and finish in fifth place.
“When it comes down to it, Bonnyville's got a really good soccer program. We put five teams into provincials and they all performed well against some tough competition,” said U18 boys coach Scot Peregrym.
For the gold-medal-winning U12 girls, defence and goaltending was key to the championship. The girls only allowed one goal all tournament, with goaltender Olivia McDonald picking up a shutout in three of the four games.
“It was fantastic,” said head coach Scott Cameron. “After that final whistle, the girls went crazy, the fans went crazy. It was great.
“We had a good group with a mix of first-year and second-year players. And they all contributed to the team's success.”
The team actually added a few players from the other Bonnyville U12 girls squad, ensuring an adequate number of players for the tournament, and the plan seemed to work out.
“We brought in some of (Dave Cowan's) defence to shore us up and they were really strong. They really helped us out,” Cameron explained.
Three girls from the team, including McDonald, Renee Antoniuk and Harlee Cameron, were named to the tournament all-star team.
The road to the championship for the U16 girls was a little more dramatic, as the final came down to penalty kicks.
After winning their first three round robin games, the girls played to a one-all draw after regulation time in the final against Edson.
The game remained tied after two overtime periods, sending the game to penalty kicks.
After three kicks each, the game was still tied. Then, finally, on Bonnyville's final kick for the win, the ball got past the keeper and the girls ran out on the field to celebrate.
“The girls played great all the way through,” said head coach Paul St. Amant. “When they needed to lift their play to match the other team, they did just that.”
St. Amant said he was proud of his players and the season they had.
“They went the whole season without a loss. We won the league, we won the Wetlands Tournament, we won Lakeland Cup and now we won provincials. You couldn't ask for much more than that.”
For the U12 boys and head coach Rick Dokter, losing only one game all season and capturing a provincial bronze medal are great achievements.
“We're happy with it. Anytime you can place in the medals at provincials, that's a good way to cap off a season.”
Dokter said his team's depth is a major reason for its success. “We have strong players throughout our roster that performed very well.”
Bonnyville players Logan Lukinuk, David Dokter and Austin L'Hirondelle were each named to the tournament's all-star team.
The boys U14 team also had a great season, but fell just short of playing for gold, after losing to Peace River in the final round robin match.
“The boys played great all weekend,” said coach Darryl Shyian. “We're really proud of them.”
Team manager Judy Butt said, “Just qualifying for provincials is an accomplishment in itself.”
