The 2024 Esso Cup is underway in Vernon, British Columbia with the Regina Rebels and Northern Selects returning from last year.
The 2024 Esso Cup is underway in Vernon, British Columbia with the Regina Rebels and Northern Selects returning from last year.
Last year's Esso Cup bronze medalists are back for more this year in Vernon, British Columbia, as the Regina Rebels look to exact their revenge on the tournament and come away as champions.
Regina will, as they were last year, be led by forwards Stryker Zablocki and Berlin Lolacher. Zablocki represented Canada at the U-18 World Championships this year and is headed to the NCAA next season with Northeastern. She led the Saskatchewan U-18 'AAA' loop in scoring this season with 40 goals and 65 points in only 27 games.
Running flank with Zablocki is Berlin Lolacher, who will head to Mercyhurst University in 2025-2026. The 16-year-old finished fourth in league scoring with 40 points in 27 game, tied with Brooklyn Nimegeers who is headed to Princeton next season.
Lolacher opened the tournament with five goals and six points in her first two games with Zablocki earning two goals and three points. The duo have been supported up front by 2007 born forward Addison Greve who had five points in two games to open the tournament.
Regina opened their tournament with a 7-6 overtime loss to the North York Storm before beating the Quebec champions L'Intrepide De L'Outaouais 7-1.
Teams In The 2024 Esso Cup
Along with the returning Regina Rebels, also back at Nova Scotia's Norther Subway Selects. Their leader from last season Kendall Doiron returns, and she'll be supported by Hali-Rose MacLean and Brooke Williams, two of the top scorers in Atlantic Canada. From the West, the Edmonton Jr. Oilers and Thompson-Okanagan Lakers are representing Alberta and British Columbia, while Ontario's North York Storm and Quebec's L'Intrepide De L'Outaouais round out the field.
Players To Watch At the 2024 Esso Cup
Aside from Lolacher, Nimegeers, Zablocki, and Greve, there are plenty of talented players ready to showcase their skills at the 2024 Esso Cup. Here's a look at a few names to watch.
Riley Scorgie, Edmonton Jr. Oilers - Committed to Cornell University, Scorgie has overcome a lot in her life, dealing with the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome. She's one of the top players in Alberta and will be counted upon to lead Edmonton.
Tayla Lamabe, Edmonton Jr. Oilers - The 2008 born forward was one of the top scorers in the province for Edmonton recording 26 points in 30 games as a rookie in Alberta's top league. Lamabe stands 5-foot-8, and is a likely NCAA commit to keep an eye on.
Kendall Doiron, Northern Selects - Back from last year's Esso Cup, Doiron is poised, has exceptional hands, and can create magic anywhere she goes. Doiron had 34 goals and 64 points in only 32 games this season.
Laurence Lafleur, Outaouais Intrépide - The 2007 born forward led Quebec's U-18 'AAA' league in scoring this year with 42 goals and 59 points in 24 games. She's got great hands and finish.