Wildcats Stars

The Diamond Energy Female Midget Wildcats are headed back to the Mac's Midget Tournament in Calgary, which features the best boys and girls AAA midget teams from across North America.

The Wildcats won the prestigious tournament two years in a row in 2008 and 2009, and the last time they played there was in the 2009/2010 event.

"Obviously, we're happy to be back," said Coach Terry Pavely. "In our minds as coaches, we believe it's the best tournament in western Canada, and maybe even including the United States. The atmosphere and the people that are there... they treat you like celebrities, and it's just a great experience for everybody that gets to go."

The draw for the tournament was held Wednesday in Calgary, and Swift Current will be in a pool with the Calgary Flyers, Edmonton Thunder, Northern Cougars and Winnipeg Ice.

"We expect to compete... there's a lot of real good hockey teams there, some of them we've played and have had tight games with, and some of them we haven't," Pavely added. "We think if we play well, we're going to be in every game, and if a few bounces go our way, I think we have as good a chance as anybody... Our goal is to get into the semi-final round, make the playoffs and go from there."

The only other SFMAAAHL team attending the tournament is the Melville Prairie Fire.

On the boys side, the teams include the Moose Jaw Generals, Regina Pat Canadians, Prince Albert Mintos, Notre Dame Argos and Battlefords Stars from the Saskatchewan Midget AAA League.

The round-robin starts on December 26th and the finals will take place on New Year's Day from the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats have two league games in Prince Albert Friday and Saturday.