Redwings lose a player

By David McIver

The league-leading Rosetown Redwings, who were to host the Unity Miners last Saturday, play the Luseland Mallards here on Saturday and then take on the Kodiaks in Kindersley on Sunday.

The Redwings’ last action was on Dec. 19 when they defeated the Dodsland Stars 6-2 at the AGT Centre. That was revenge for the Stars handing the Redwings their only loss of the season - 4-1 in Kerrobert on Dec. 13.

The Redwings didn’t sustain any injuries in that second Stars game. Avery Ironside “got called back to work,” prior to the warm-up, said coach Curtis MacDonald.

“It was a good win. Unfortunately, we lose Kayden Ostrom now,” said MacDonald.

Ostrom is going to play for the Augustana College Vikings of Camrose, Alta., said the coach.

“Losing Kayden will (hurt),” said MacDonald.

Ostrom was fifth in team scoring with three goals and six assists in seven games.

Despite that, the Redwings have decided to enter provincial playoffs this season.

Going through back issues, it appears that the last senior Redwing team in playoffs other than league playoffs were the AAA Redwings in 2019 when they made it to the Allan Cup final.

After that came pandemic restrictions and cancellations followed by the club switching leagues.

While he didn’t know at what level of playoffs the Redwings will be put, but MacDonald was confident.

“I think, with this roster, we are able to go into provincials and compete with probably any team in the province,” adding that is minus teams like the Kenaston Blizzards (12-0 in the Sask Valley Hockey League as of press time on Friday afternoon).