The GU17 Cochrane Wolfpack have capped off another successful season after earning a berth in the tier III provincials hosted by Edmonton, Mar. 15-17.

The team became one of only 12 teams across Alberta earning a berth in the provincials after capturing bronze in the regular indoor season of Calgary Minor Soccer. They struck out with two wins in round-robin play before advancing to the medals round.

In the semifinals, the Wolfpack had a narrow 2-1 loss to the Sherwood Park Nicks, who went on to win gold. In the bronze medal game, they attempted to tie the Fort McMurray Fury in the dying minutes of the game but lost 3-1. 

"We were basically pulling out all the stops to trying to tie up the game, so we weren't really paying too much attention to the back," says Coach John Rovere.

"It was an exciting end to the year," he says. "It was a little bit bittersweet but it was fun."

That bronze medal game was the last for Rovere, who started coaching at U12 and six of those players were on this year's U17 team. His daughter Jamie has played since U8. 

"There were a lot of tears in the dressing room after that final game when they were saying their goodbyes because they have been teammates for a long time. It was pretty emotional."

Rovere takes many cherished memories from his time with the team and says they'll remain awesome in the coming outdoor season.

"Most of the memories are from having fun at the tournaments, the hotels and the travel and some big moments in the games. Most of it is from the interaction with other parents and kids interacting with each other That's the stuff where all the memories come from; all the fun and goofy stuff that happens along the way." 

It won't be long before the outdoors season of Cochrane Minor Soccer begins.