This hockey-loving Alberta border city is throwing its support behind women's team

Five years ago, Asha Petrie was set to finish her minor hockey career on a high; lacing up to play her final year with the AAA U18 Lloydminster PWM Steelers. 

But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the 2020-21 hockey season was cancelled.

Petrie and other players anticipating a regular year of games were disappointed, and those moving on from minor hockey were left with few options close to home. 

"It was sad," Petrie said.

"I did have some offers and opportunity to go down to the states, and also to SAIT who's also in our league," Petrie said. 

During the lull, Steelers head coach Morgan Mann said he was acutely aware of what losing the season meant for his players.

And with the help of a dedicated team, Mann made a suggestion that changed the landscape of girls hockey in Lloydminster. 

"Morg called me one day and he said 'Asha, we're trying to get a team,'" Petrie said. 

"I said 'Morg, I'm in. I'll not go anywhere else and I'll just put my trust in you to get this figured out.'" 

Mann and others approached Lakeland College to pitch the idea for a women's hockey program at the school, a place where the young talent grown in the city and surrounding area could aim to play. 

"They decided they would take a chance on us," said Mann.

"But the condition was there was no money to fund this team. We would have to fund it ourselves." 

For the past five years, the players and coaching staff of the Lakeland Rustlers women's hockey team have raised enough money to cover ice rentals, travel costs and referee fees. 

From raffle ticket sales to hosting hockey camps across the prairies, raising money is a team effort. 

"It takes a lot of hard work. We don't have complainers on our team," said Petrie.

"We don't get stuff paid for us or