Wildcats Bond and Learn in Banff

A bonding experience and a learning experience for the Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats.

The local female Midget AAA team was in Banff over the weekend to play some exhibition games and come together as a group.

"Their groups were always changing," Pavely said. "They hung out with one group the first day and then there'd be three different kids hanging out. Everybody mingles and mixed with everybody."

Terry Pavely Interview"We can do some team building activities but often the best and most meaningful team bonding is when the kids just do it on their own and get to know each other."

The Wildcats started the weekend by visiting S.A.I.T. college and getting a presentation on what they have to offer from their coaching staff. The girls then played an exhibition team against the college team and only lost 3-2 against an older squad.

"We had a chance," Pavely said. "Overall we were very pleased with the way we played. I think we learned some things from them about how composed they were with the puck and how often they used the middle of the ice on breakouts."

They also had the opportunity to watch the New York Rangers practice while on their trip. It was an eye opener for the players and the coach.

"To see the pace, the skill and the tempo that they push practice at," Pavely said. "The way that Alain Vigneault runs his practice... it is efficient... that 45 minutes there was not a wasted minute. Guys just jump into drills they don't stop."

The Wildcats then took on Banff Academy twice coming up with 1-1 and 6-6 ties. Pavely had mixed feelings about how they played in the games, but was again re-assured to see them find a way to score after that was a major source of difficulty for them last season.

"We've got some kids that can shoot the puck very well and that's their strenght," Pavely said. "We've got other kids who have a knack for being around the net... they're in the right spot. If you're always in the right spot it's not luck."

They're off to an exhibition tournament in Manitoba this weekend.

The Wildcats also announced this week that veteran forward Brooklyn Haubrich was named to Team SASK and will get the opportunity to play at U18 nationals.