The Team Manitoba Under-18 Provincial team wrapped up their final preparations for the National Championships with a strong performance at the University of North Dakota Siouxper Series October 7-9, capturing the tournament championship in the process.

Team Manitoba fought off penalty troubles in the opening period of the championship game against Shattuck St. Mary’s of Faribault, Minnesota, and came away from the first period tied 1-1. They would then take over in the second, scoring two goals to establish a 3-1 before adding two more in the third, en route to a 5-1 victory.

Team Manitoba earned their spot in the championship final with an explosive victory over the Warner Warriors of Lethbridge, Alberta. Three first period goals and four in the second allowed the team to skate away with a 7-2 victory.

Team Manitoba opened the tournament with a 6-0 victory over the Toronto Rattlers, followed that up with a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Thoroughbreds, and concluded the round robin with a 3-1 victory over the Walser (Minnesota) Under-19 selects.

The tournament was the final set of exhibition games for the team, who will compete in the Female National Under-18 Championships in Salmon Arm, BC November 9-13.