WESTMAN WILDCATS WIN 2009 ESSO CUP

CALGARY, Alta. – The Westman Wildcats have won the 2009 Esso Cup, defeating the Scarborough Sharks 5-2 on Saturday afternoon at Max Bell Centre to become the first-ever national female Midget champions.

Jenna-Marie Durnin scored twice and added an assist for the Wildcats, while Brandi Pollock pitched in with a goal and two helpers. Durnin’s second goal, midway through the second period, stood up as the winner as Westman, the West Region champions, broke open a 2-2 with three unanswered goals. Amy Lee and Kelsie Scott also scored for the Wildcats, while Caitlin Mancini and Erin Weston had the goals for Scarborough, the Ontario champions.

Scott took home Player of the Game honours for the Wildcats while Weston received the award for Scarborough.

Earlier Saturday, the host Calgary Flyers earned the bronze medal with a 3-2 win over their provincial rivals, the Edmonton Thunder. Shawna Griffin scored the game-winning goal with 7:12 remaining for the Flyers, who had finished first in the round robin with a perfect 4-0 record before being upset in Friday’s semifinal by Scarborough.

The 2010 Esso Cup will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan in April 2010, with the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League’s Regina Rebels playing host.

For more information on the 2009 Esso Cup, visit www.hockeycanada.ca/essocup.

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Hockey Manitoba congratulates Westman South on their outstanding performance!