The new Cochrane Chaos hockey squad is finding its feet after filing its first big win of the team’s inaugural year.
“It’s safe to say that we played the best game of the season,” coach Laura Olsen said of the weekend match-up in Penhold against the Central Alberta Amazons.
“We had a few game slump that went on for about a month where we weren’t really playing at our peak. The girls saw on Saturday what it looks like when everybody is buying into the systems, and being positive and encouraging each other.
“Hopefully, we’re going to ride that high for a little bit.”
The Alberta Junior Female Hockey League team is skating on the edge of a winning record of seven and six this season, with Saturday’s game being the women’s first W on the road.
The Chaos bested the Amazons 3-0, with forwards Ryann Altwasser, Carly Bursey and Aspen Kozak all logging goals in the second period.
Olsen said players are starting to work out the kinks in practice – while also juggling university courses and other personal pressures.
“Sometimes it’s hard to get that focus on the ice. It’s a really stressful time,” she said, adding the coaching staff encourages open discussion about what’s happening at home, so everyone feels supported and no one feels overwhelmed.
Giving priority to a sport-life balance, as well as sharing a love of the sport, is starting to pay off for the group.
“They see how much more fun it is when we’re all jelling as a group,” Olsen said. “We’re trying to keep that as our number one focus.”
The Chaos hit the ice this weekend with back-to-back games on the road against the Edmonton Wolves and Irma Chargers.
The Junior A team returns home on Dec. 18 to take on the Amazons again at 3 p.m. at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
