High Prairie Red Wings prepare for final clash after claiming second straight GMHL West Division crown

“Against Edson, again up until the last game every game was very close. They worked very hard and had some skilled players, but also ran into a lot of injuries.”

The Red Wings finished first in the West Division during the season with a 40-1 record, and at one point were riding a 60 game winning streak, dating back to last season. That streak ended with an 8-6 home-ice loss to the Ice Kings on February 20th. But Hopfner thinks that loss served as a big incentive going into the playoffs.

“We were on that big win streak, and the whole team started playing like individuals because they just wanted to pad their points,” he said.

“So after that loss to Fox Creek, the boys decided that if we are going to win the championship, we have to play as a team. And things changed then and there.”

The season is not over yet for the Red Wings, as Hopfner says plans are in the works for a three-game series between the Red Wings and the GMHL East Division champs, to determine bragging rights for the league.

“The league had to make a decision several months ago when COVID was still quite rampant. So they actually cancelled the four-team round-robin championship tournament in Temiscaming, Quebec. So right now, we are looking at possibly playing at a neutral site. We are looking at some arenas in Winnipeg so that we can meet halfway.”

“It would be the winners of the East against us in a three-game series, basically just for bragging rights to see who is better, the East or the West,’ said Hopfner. “And of course we all know the West is the best.”

The Durham Roadrunners currently lead the North York Renegades 3-2 in an East Division semi-final series. Game six is Thursday night in North York, with a seventh game if necessary set for Friday night in Oshawa.

The winner of that series would face the Temiscaming Titans in the East Division final, and Hopfner says each game is available on GMHL TV, which is what they have been using to scout their potential opponents.

Hopfner was asked if he had a preference as to who they faced in the series.

“The best team in the East this season was Temiscaming. We had two players from there last season on our team because they did not play due to COVID. So we would definitely like to challenge the best team in that league, and also play against our two former teammates.”

The Greater Metro Hockey League is classified as a Junior A, tier two league. But Hopfner says it is a good calibre of hockey.

“We place a lot of players to the next level. From last year’s team, I sent two players to New York to play in the Federal League, and three guys to California to play a higher level of junior, as well as one to Vegas,” he said.

“We are a development league, we are always looking to move players to the next level.”

With a majority of the Red Wings’ roster coming from High Prairie and surrounding communities, Hopfner says that made winning the championship even more special.

“The families of these kids were just thrilled that they have this opportunity to win a championship and watch their kids play here. And the kids are just so happy to be playing Junior A hockey.”

Hopfner adds the support from High Prairie and area to the Red Wings has been amazing.

“Considering the economy here is not the greatest throughout COVID, but a lot of the businesses who could support did support us and supported us quite well.”

“We had a limited fan base (due to COVID restrictions) until recently, so that was a challenge. But the last few games (once restrictions were lifted), the fan support was amazing.”

“The community itself, just the people in town, have been so good. We have had not only businesses sponsor us, but some families were more than happy to step up and support our team.”

by Jeff Henson

High Prairie Red Wings prepare for final clash after claiming second straight GMHL West Division crown

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