It has been a special season so far for the U13AA Bow Valley Timberwolves.

They're the top U13AA team in the South Central Alberta Hockey League (SCAHL) heading into the playoffs and are fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

The Timberwolves wrap up their regular season on home ice this Sunday. With two games remaining, they currently sit with a 26-2-1 record.

"We have a pretty unique and special team this year, and we've been pretty lucky to string together wins," says head coach Alec Miller.

"We've never had a Peewee AA team win a league championship here in Cochrane, so if any year is going to be the year, this is looking like it's a good one for us. We have a special opportunity here, and we're kind of in control of our destiny at this point."

The team is formed of Cochrane, Canmore, and Banff players, and for many, it will be their last season playing together. Several enter U15 next season and start branching out into their own streams.

"This is a special time of year for this group, and it's the last dance for a lot of them when it comes to playing together," says Miller.

The top eight teams in the north division will be in Cochrane next weekend for the divisional championship. Each plays three games before the top four teams advance to the semifinals. The winning team plays a three-game series with the south division champion. The winning team advances to the provincials.

The Timberwolves successfully bid to host the north division playoff and look forward to playing on home ice.

"We saw it as a great opportunity to bring some people to Cochrane and to give us a little bit of home-ice advantage.  It makes a difference to sleep in your own bed at night and can enjoy some home-cooked meals, so we'll take any advantage we can get,"

The team's success hasn't been limited to league play. They won a Cranbrook, B.C. tournament in November, then placed high in the prestigious Regina Pats Peewee Classic in January.

"We came third out of 32 teams, so that was a great showing from us. It's one of the best results we've had in the 30 years the tournament has been running."

The team also emphasizes having a positive impact off the ice and has been involved with the Chevy Good Deeds Cup program for five years. It's jointly sponsored by Chevrolet Canada and Hockey Night in Canada,

"They challenge Peewee U13 teams from across Canada to do a good deed and to make a positive impact outside of the rink. It's something we've participated in every year, and it's something I truly believe helps the boys have a positive impact and gives them a little bit of humility as well."

The players selected the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) as their charity. Miller explains one of their goalies has Type One diabetes, and the cause is near and dear to the players.

They're striving to raise $5,000, which is then matched to provide $10,000 for JDRF.

So far, they've reached 60 per cent of their goal and will continue to accept donations through the playoffs.

There are posters at the SLS Family Sports Centre with a QR Code and links for donations. Charitable tax receipts are available.  

The team also held an equipment drive in support of the Calgary Flames Sports Bank.

Tomorrow they're in Airdrie to play the Lightning, and Sunday's home game is against the Central Alberta Selects.

Timberwolves actionThe Timberwolves have only lost two games this season and are at the top of the 17-team U13AA South Central Alberta Hockey League.