Lakeland Rustlers Weekend Recap - October 15, 2024

On ice success, gym exhibition and a setback on the pitch was the story of Thanksgiving Weekend for Rustlers Athletics.

Women's hockey opened league play with a home-and-away against the RDP Queens, the bronze medalists from last season. Several hundred people were in attendance for Lakeland's home  opener at the Russ Robertson Arena, creating an ideal home atmosphere.

The first few minutes were an offensive barrage, with the Rustlers dominating play against the Queens, before Hailey Carothers scored the team's first goal of the season. Despite the difference in shots, the Queens were able to capitalize, forcing Lakeland to require a game winning tally from Asha Petrie in a final score of 3-2. Shaye Thompson picked up her first win with 21 saves.

The following evening, the Rustlers controlled the pace of play again, winning 3-1 in Red Deer. Carothers had two more goals, while Mackenzie Gould-Sharpe made 21 saves in the victory.

Men's basketball held a home exhibition game against the NAIT Ooks Friday night in Lloydminster, winning 70-65. Meanwhile, men's volleyball and women's basketball competed against the Keyano Huskies at the neutral site of Lac La Biche. Both teams were successful, with men's volleyball winning three sets to one, and women's basketball winning 65-57.

Lakeland's soccer squads held critical games on Sunday at VLA Fields against the Ooks, needing victories to have any hope of postseason participation. Both teams fought hard, but were unable score on quality scoring chances, losing 2-0 and 3-0. Gracey Smithson and Jack Shand were named Player of the Game in the respective contests. This drops the women to 4-6 and the men to 4-3-3, eliminating them from playoff contention.

Finally, Rustlers Rodeo held the Annual Lakeland Fall Classic where their athletes put on a great show.

This weekend, women's hockey have a two-game homestand against the Olds Broncos Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Women's volleyball will play exhibition matches in Camrose, hosed by the Augustana Vikings. Rodeo is on the road in Olds. And our soccer squads end their season with a home and road weekend, hosting their home finale on Saturday at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, which will be Rustlers Athletics' first Community Soccer Day!