Goaltending propelling Sharks to top of U18 AA league

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This article was published 16/12/2022 (1120 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you head out to an Eastman Sharks U18 AA game, one thing’s for sure. You’re going to watch an outstanding performance in net.

The team is leading the AA division of Manitoba hockey, on the strength of only allowing 17 goals this season. They’re tied in points with the St Vital Victorias, who despite their similar success in the win/loss column, have given up 33 goals this season.

It’s all thanks to the goaltending tandem of Rhyan Beardy and Emily Ritchot, alongside a commitment to team defense.

“We’ve got an extremely strong duo of goaltenders, and a really, really strong defensive core,” Sharks head coach Nick Audette said.

“I think the biggest thing is everyone getting along and buying into playing for the logo on the front as opposed to the one on the back.”

Audette added the team’s overall speed on the ice was also a big benefit to their defensive strength. In addition to being able to recover and take away scoring chances, those same defenders can also use their speed to turn the tables.

“We’re trying to be aggressive in defensive positioning,” Audette said.

“Our defense has really good vision, so as long as we can put a forward in the right spot, they’re going to get the puck to them.”

That offensive outburst was nowhere to be found Dec. 10, as the Sharks hosted the Winnipeg Twins at their home arena in La Broquerie. Despite Beardy only giving up a single goal, the Sharks ran into a hot goaltender on the opposing team, losing 1-0.

Eastman were able to bounce back and pick up a 2-0 win against the third-ranked Predators the next day, with Ritchot earning the shutout. The victory had them back tied at the top of the standings.

The Eastman Sharks play a less intense schedule than their AAA counterparts.

“It gives the girls an opportunity to play super competitive hockey and still enjoy some of the other stuff, whereas you might not get that at the AAA level, just with the busyness of the schedule,” Audette said.

Another benefit of the program is it gives younger players who aren’t ready to make the leap from U15 AAA to U18 AAA hockey a chance to play against older competition if they don’t make the Eastman Selects in their first year.

“A lot of our girls are enjoying the camaraderie and love of the game,” Audette said.

“Whether they decide to go try out for AAA, I would love to see that. On the same token, I’d love to see them back here.”

Audette said he’s been impressed with how the players across the league have managed to stay competitive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You’ve got some extremely talented girls who are playing at this level,” he said.

“I feel like they didn’t skip a beat. The talent is still there. The girls are loving being back.”

Fans who want to check out the Sharks won’t have a better chance than when Eastman and the Victorias face off in La Broquerie Dec. 17. The two top teams in the league will face off at 5:45 p.m.