The first ever BelaHockey Granato Cup championship game was held this December.
Denver Women's Hockey League President, Jodie Immell, recounts the details of this season's championship.
"After suffering defeat in the championship game last season in a shootout, The Nordiques came back hungrier and more determined than ever to return and play again for the Championship. With eight returning players and the addition of several key players, The Nordiques again captured the number one seed during the regular season. Led by Captains Jules Harral and Adri Larsen, the team focused on puck possession and won their playoff game 2-0 against the 5th Place Royals to get back to the one game that this team focused on all season. Coach Jen Rieske was excited for another opportunity to win the big game, “I’ve played on or coached this team in several Championship games, and I look forward to getting the “Big Red” back on top” said coach Rieske prior to the big game. With the solid goaltending of Renae Binstock and stout defense led by Amber Farris, this team was ready to roll!"
2009 Fall - DWHL Nordiques
"The Jets had a very different road to the Championship game. The season itself was plagued with injuries and work commitments. Often times, only a few Jets were at the regular season games, and subs made up the rest of the bench. It was difficult to find that team chemistry they needed when very few team members played together during the regular season. Before the playoffs, the Jets were in 3rd place. All five teams were in the playoffs and all five had a chance to take the championship. The Jets first playoff game arrived, but for playoffs, subbing is never allowed. So, still riddled with injuries and work commitments, six skaters and the ever faithful goalie set out to win their first playoff game. Veterans Andrea Steinle and Sarah Martin played solid defense for nearly the entire game. Newcomers Laurid Broughton and Leanne Siefford came to nearly every game and improved dramatically to play a big role in the Jets fate. Courtney Gulden shined by playing nearly every position shift to shift."
2009 Fall - DWHL Jets
"The Jets played the fourth place Northstars and did what they set out to do. They played their hearts out and dominated the game. Their passes were incredible. They controlled the puck the majority of the time and only allowed 3 shots on goal (some say 3 was a generous number). They took 21 SOG and created many more chances than that. Center Jodi Kiefer capitalized on 3 of the shots and the solid goaltending of Alicia Speakman helped the team take the win (3-0)."
"Winning the first playoff game allowed the Jets to play the Victorias (2nd place team). The winner would go on to the Championship game and the loser to the consolation. Again, with the same 6 skaters and goalie, the team faced a more difficult challenge. Again, they played amazing as a team, and shut out the Victorias 3-0."
"The Jets and Nordiques met in the finals of the 2009 Fall Mixed Division. They both wanted the win very badly and it showed. It was a well played, hard fought game. In regulation time, neither team let the other score. It was 0 – 0 going into overtime. Both teams had some nail biting opportunities and again, both teams held each other scoreless in OT. Adri Larsen and Amber Farris came up big for the Nordiques by scoring in the shootout, helping the team take the championship."
"So this year the winner of the cup is the Nordiques, and the
DWHL is onto a Spring season starting next month where the previous players, and hopefully some new ones will vie for the cup again."
Thanks to Jodie for this recount and congratulations to the DWHL Mixed Division champions, the Nordiques!
