Lloydminster Road Trip Recap: Growth, Resilience, and Miles of Scenery
The program completed the longest road trip in KHA’s history this past weekend, navigating a demanding stretch of travel, multiple hotels, and a constantly changing schedule. Both teams handled the challenges of a true junior-style weekend with maturity, adapting to long hours on the bus and the added strain that comes with it.
On the ice, the 17U group delivered three composed and competitive performances, showing poise in key moments and finding different ways to win. Their late-game surge on Sunday stood out as a clear sign of a team learning how to respond together.
For the 18U team, the weekend offered valuable lessons. After a difficult start on Friday, the group rebounded with a detailed, hard-working effort on Saturday. Sunday brought another tough opening period, but the team finished with stronger structure and clearer habits. The theme was evident: when the group commits to their defensive details, their play stabilizes quickly.
Across both teams, the staff saw encouraging signs of growth. Players supported one another, managed adversity, and pushed through the demands of a long road swing. Off the ice, the groups stayed disciplined with schoolwork and mental performance training, including a session with mental skills coach Steve Kamps for the 18U players. With a well-earned weekend off ahead, attention now shifts to purposeful practice time and preparation for next week’s quick trip to Edmonton.
17U AAA Game Summaries
Friday, Nov. 14 - 5-3 Win vs. Edmonton Titans
A fast start carried the group, scoring three in the opening period and setting the tone early. Edmonton pushed late, but steady goaltending and an empty-net marker secured a composed road win.
Saturday, Nov. 15 - 6-1 Win vs. Lloydminster Athletics
KHA controlled the game from the outset and managed an emotional second period with discipline. Consistent pressure, balanced scoring, and a strong third period made for a convincing 6-1 result.
Sunday, Nov. 16 - 3-2 Win vs. HC Edmonton
Down 2-0 after two periods, the team responded with a determined third-period push, scoring three unanswered. Resilient defending and timely offense capped off a hard-earned comeback victory.
18U AAA Game Summaries
Friday, Nov. 14 - 10-0 Loss vs. Edmonton Titans
Edmonton took control early and never let up, capitalizing on their chances and executing at a high pace. Despite generating opportunities, KHA couldn’t break through offensively and struggled to slow Edmonton’s attack in a difficult night.
Saturday, Nov. 15 - 4-2 Win vs. Lloydminster Athletics
A strong start and a timely penalty-shot goal helped the group build and maintain momentum. Steady defending and sharp goaltending closed out a composed win in a physical, back-and-forth matchup.
Sunday, Nov. 16 - 4-1 Loss vs. Edmonton Titans
A tough first period put KHA in an early hole, and while the team pushed back with better structure in the final forty minutes, they couldn’t fully climb back. A second-period goal showed signs of life, but Edmonton’s early surge proved too much to overcome.
Next Up: Back to Edmonton
Both teams travel to Edmonton on November 29 for two games each, marking another chance to measure progress against strong competition. This time, the trip is shorter, the routine is clearer, and the lessons from the long road swing are fresh.
The focus now is on preparation — sharpening team concepts, building consistency shift to shift, and carrying forward the resilience both groups showed in different ways this past weekend. These next games are an opportunity to step in with confidence, trust the work being done in practice, and continue building the identity each team is shaping together.
The season moves quickly, but so does growth when the habits are right. Edmonton offers the next test, and both teams will be ready for it.
