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HAY RIVER
Two Fort Simpson female hockey teams left their mark on the fifth annual Polar Pond Hockey tournament this earlier this month.

Second place at Polar Pond Hockey in Hay River was PCUK from Fort Simpson, which includes Ashleigh Cudmore, back row, left, Sydney Rowe and Stephanie Cudmore, front row, left, Vanessa Murtsell and Caitlin Jaffray. - photo courtesy of Marilyn Marshall

The Moosehide Mammas returned to the Hay River tournament as the defending champions in the women's division.

They were joined by a second Fort Simpson team, PCUK.

The outcome of just one game, however, gave PCUK a higher standing in this year's rankings.

In the round robin on March 15 and 16, both teams did well.

The Mammas, comprised of Kristen Morrison, Jenny Thompson, Jennifer Thistle, Alyssa Carpenter and April Bell, went undefeated, consistently winning by large margins.

PCUK won their three games against Hay River teams including a 11-9 victory over the Easton Fections.

PCUK and the Mammas also met on the ice on March 16.

"It was a lot of fun," said Stephanie Cudmore who played with PCUK along with Sydney Rowe, Ashleigh Cudmore, Vanessa Murtsell and Caitlin Jaffray.

Both teams knew each other's strategy and everyone went out just to have fun, Stephanie said.

The game ended 15-6 in the Mammas' favour.

Because of their records, both Fort Simpson teams advanced immediately to the semi-finals. PCUK won their semi-final game 13-8 against the Hot Mammas. The Moosehide Mammas went up against the Easton Fections.

It was a close game, said Jenny Thompson. The teams were neck and neck at 6-6 until the Hay River team scored an additional point in the second half giving them a 7-6 win.

Because there was no consolation finals, it's not clear if the Mammas finished in third or fourth place. This was Thompson's first time at the event.

PCUK went on to play Easton Fections in the finals. The game was also close with the score tied at half time, said Stephanie.

The Hay River team, however, was able to score a few extra goals and won the game 10-6, giving them first place in the division and PCUK second.

In addition to battling each other, the teams also had to battle the elements. It was -35 C on March 17 and some of the players were wearing four or five layers to keep warm, she said.

PCUK is already making plans to return next year.

"We had a great time," Stephanie said. "It was definitely a lot of fun."

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