While the Sask Winter Games schedule starts up shortly, the female hockey team won't be taking to the ice until the 21st. While the team is not allowed to practice together before the games as part of the rules, local coach for the team Brad Robinson is feeling pretty confident about the teams chances.

"I fully expect both teams to medal. I'll deal with the girls, but I definitely expect them to medal."

Robinson has been involved in Saskatchewan hockey for about 6 years now and he's excited not only for the games since they only come around so often, but also to work with some athletes that have put their best foot forward to be there.

"It's always a joy to do them because everybody's wanting to be there, especially for Sask Winter games. It is kind of special because you have to be born on the right year in order to qualify as well as have the skill to make the team. So there's a lot of effort, a lot of desire, a lot of passion with these kids when they're trying out."

Unfortunetly, Robinson won't have a chance to see his team together until the games are under way, but with the level of athletes coming together on this team, that should not prove to be a problem. 

"My last experience with Sask Winter games, it hasn't been a problem because all these kids are at a skill level and a mind set that it might just be a couole shifts to find that chemistry."

Finding that chemistry with the team shouldn't be that much of an issue, since four of the players on the Estevan Power Tech Bear Cats will be representing the south east at the games. Bailey Farr and Kayla Wanner will be on the front end of the team as forwards while Starla Mann and Karleigh Mackenzie will make up a defensive pairing for the team. Along with them will be Kate Pirlot from Wauchope, Dalis Prawdzik from Midale, and Kelsey Carson from Lampman. When asked who he was most excited to see, Robinson couldn't single anyone out.

"It wouldn't be fair to pin point any particular girl because they've all brought something, they've all been picked for a reason."

With all of the talented girls representing the south east, that talent has actually managed to spill over into the other teams as Brynn Kuntz will be playing with Parkland Valley's team.