It was an incredible regular season for the Eastman Selects AAA Bantam team and they look to continue that success in Provincials which are being played in Niverville and Ste. Adolphe March 1-3.

The Selects finished with the best winning percentage in the provincial Bantam AAA standings, compiling a record of 29-4-2 and finished atop the standings.

While it's been an unforgettable season, Head Coach Jordan Wohlgemuth says it's not the wins that makes this team special. "The guys work really hard, they bring it to the rink every night. It's a long season, but the guys are always willing to do what it takes. Not just in games but in practice. It's easy for guys to take nights off but these guys prided themselves on outworking everyone every night."

On top of the team stats, several players at all positions had breakout seasons.

Both the Selects goalies, Ethan Penner (Mitchell) and Josh Rach (Cooks Creek) finished in the top 5 in the leagues wins, save percentage and shutouts.

Denton Mateychuk, who hails from Dominion City, has been on a tear all season long as the defender has 60 points in 35 games so far this year.

Along with Mateychuk, Spencer Penner (Blumenort), Bryce Warkentine (Landmark) and Brody Beauchemin (Ile des Chenes) were named to the All-Star team.

With all the success, there comes pressure come Provincials but Wohlgemuth say's he and his team and looking forward to it. "Pressure is a self induced issue. Excitement for a good opportunity is what we as a staff preach."

Eastman has always had roots in many communities around Southeast Manitoba and these Selects take a lot of pride in representing many different areas. "Having such a large region allows for a lot of small town connections. We really feel towns get behind this team. We also have two kids (Connor and Carter Courchene) from Sagkeeng. We moved one of our home games there so they could feel the support. The community put on a first class game, first class experience. There were about 400 fans. It was special for the boys and the whole team."

Wohlgemuth, who suited up years back for the Landmark Blues, is looking forward to having Provincials come to the Southeast. "Our first game is in Niverville at 2:30 on March 1st and then on Saturday, we play at 9:30 am in St. Adolphe."

The countdown is on and when the Provincials start, the game schedule is here http://hockeymanitoba.com/