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“It was crazy – I wasn’t expecting to be near the podium,” she said. 

In a result that no one in Alberta's junior B hockey community saw coming, the Cochrane Generals' 2023 post-season came to a stunning end on March 4, when the team was shut out 9-0 at home by the Medicine Hat Cubs in game six of their best-of-seven playoff series. 

The Bow Valley Bobcats came up a few buckets short in the Rocky View Sports Association's (RVSA) senior boys' basketball final on Saturday in Chestermere.

The Chaos emerged victorious on Saturday night at the Bowness Sportsplex, beating the Jags 3-2 in overtime to secure the series sweep and book their spot in the AJFHL final.

The Gens tied the series 2-2 thanks to a 6-4 win in game four on Wednesday night, and will be hoping to keep the winning ways going in southeast Alberta tonight.

“What we’re trying to show people is that rugby just isn’t a sport. It’s about building a community and creating lasting friendships with like-minded people."

Highlighting the parity between Medicine Hat and Cochrane – who finished second and third in the Heritage Junior Hockey League's (HJHL) south division during the regular season – two of the three games thus far have been decided in overtime. 

Keeping her aspirations modest, the Bragg Creek ski racer said she is hoping for a top-five or maybe even a podium placement at the upcoming games.

Captain Patrick Forde led the charge for the Cochrane Generals this past weekend, leading the junior B hockey team to a first-round sweep over the High River Flyers.

“The regular season is important, but what it really comes down to is the playoffs, and we’re well prepared,” Ripplinger said. “The HJHL playoffs are a blast. It’s a whole different hockey game – it’s fast, high-hitting, very physical, and completely different than the regular season."