The Steinbach Millers U18A team won the U18 Rural B Provincial Championship.

Assistant coach Brad Byrne says that after all the challenges, the season was "special to say the least". He continued, "coming into the season, starting in September or October, it was an unknown what we were getting into, with health restrictions and all. Finally, just getting into games, we got to go month by month."

"This group is pretty special", Byrne says when asked about his team doing what it took to be safe and keep playing. "They really enjoy the game and love coming to the rink. They're a very dedicated group, to say the least."

It was kind of a tale of two seasons for the Millers, as Byrne explains. "Pre-Christmas break, we were slow to start but after Christmas, January was a hot month for us. We pretty much went undefeated in January and then we just kind of gelled at the right time heading into Provincials."

Byrne breaks down the start of the tournament. "We were in Sagkeeng First Nation. Friday we had two games, we split both. Saturday we had one game which we won and then the gold medal game was Sunday. The guys came ready to play."

In the final game, Byrne did his best to keep all emotions, the players and his own, in check. "Especially with this age group, it's about mentality more than anything. We just tried to keep everyone calm and focus on the game and finish the game. We came out hot so we just had to maintain and protect our own zone."

He adds that he made sure to soak in the moment. "We have about five guys moving on from minor hockey, so it was a surreal moment.

Also, the parents made sure it was a special year for the boys. "It was a great group of parents. We hosted our own tournament and they were loud every game."

For the U18A Millers team photo (U18 Rural B Provincial Champions) the coaches and players, from left to right:

Back row: Brad Byrne (Asst Coach), Sophie Hildebrand, Mike Halstead (Asst Coach), Lukas Klassen, Ethan Schellenberg, Jackson Brandt, Cody Wiebe, Bowen Halstead, Ryan Deschauer, Tobin Sawatzky, Caleb Stott, Bennett King, Justus Brown, Kevin Schellenberg (Head Coach)

Middle row: Dylan Suttorp, Brian Doerksen, Anthony Bueckert, Gavin Pidsadny, Zander Koop, Cody Neufeld, Dominic Rooney, Samuel Bergen

Front row: Kayden Plett, Liam Manness

Missing: Kyler Suttorp