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With a record of 5-1-0, the Saugeen District Senior School varsity girls hockey team took first place in the North division of the Bruce Athletic Association (BAA), earning their spot in the COWSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association) and BAA playoffs coming up in February in Port Elgin.
Jan 14, 2026 • Last updated 6 hours ago •
The Saugeen District Senior School varsity girls hockey team claimed the top spot in the Bluewater Athletic Association (BAA) North division, which means they are heading to COWSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association) and BAA playoffs this February in Port Elgin. Photo by Kim Schmitt photo
The Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) varsity girls hockey team won their last two games of the season, finishing with a solid record of 5-1-0, which allows them to advance to both Bluewater Athletic Association (BAA) and COWSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association) playoffs happening in Port Elgin next month.
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In their final matches on Jan. 8 in Port Elgin, the Royals narrowly defeated Owen Sound District Secondary School with a score of 4-3 and then dominated St. Mary’s with an impressive 9-2 win, securing first place among BAA North teams.
Alyssa Dunlop, teacher and advisor for the team, mentioned they feel “very hopeful” as they prepare for the championships but understand that they’ll be facing some strong opponents.
“We’ve never played (BAA South teams) Kincardine or Sacred Heart, but they are both strong, so we’re coming off a great season hopeful and determined to win,” Dunlop said during a phone interview on Jan. 13. The successful season was all about teamwork; this includes coaching staff teacher/advisor Stephanie Cameron and community volunteer Randi Martin.
Dunlop noted that having a mix of older and younger players has created a “good combination” leading to victories.
“About half of our players are in Grade 12 and have been together since Grade 9. Our younger players are all competing at higher levels – more competitive hockey – which has worked well for us as we finished with five wins and one loss this season,” Dunlop explained. This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Royals will face Sacred Heart during the Feb. 5 BAA championship semi-finals at The Plex in Port Elgin. They hope to compete against Grey Highlands/Kincardine from BAA South after that so they can advance to COWSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association) and BAA playoffs on Feb.19 at The Plex. “We haven’t played those teams before but I know both are very strong so it will definitely be tough getting to the final.”
As finals approach, Dunlop expressed their optimism.
“We do have a strong team but we know that Kincardine and Sacred Heart from the other side also present challenges ahead.” Leading up to playoffs, Dunlop mentioned practices will focus on special teams including power plays and penalty kills.
“We have some students who play for the Port Elgin Rep team; others come from Waterloo, Owen Sound and Saugeen Maitland. It’s great seeing these students who play at different levels come together as one team with fantastic results this year,” Dunlop shared.
She added that Grade 12 players take on leadership roles while younger players show determination playing high-level hockey; this blend is “working well for us.” As champions of BAA North, the Royals will also host the BAA championships on Feb.19 at The Plex in Port Elgin. All games at The Plex welcome fans – semi-finals will kick off at 10:30 AM and noon while finals begin at 2 PM. Share this article in your social network
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“We’ve never played (BAA South teams) Kincardine or Sacred Heart, but they are both strong, so we’re coming off a great season hopeful and determined to win,” Dunlop said during a phone interview on Jan. 13. The successful season was all about teamwork; this includes coaching staff teacher/advisor Stephanie Cameron and community volunteer Randi Martin.
Dunlop noted that having a mix of older and younger players has created a “good combination” leading to victories.
“About half of our players are in Grade 12 and have been together since Grade 9. Our younger players are all competing at higher levels – more competitive hockey – which has worked well for us as we finished with five wins and one loss this season,” Dunlop explained. This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Royals will face Sacred Heart during the Feb. 5 BAA championship semi-finals at The Plex in Port Elgin. They hope to compete against Grey Highlands/Kincardine from BAA South after that so they can advance to COWSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary School Association) and BAA playoffs on Feb.19 at The Plex. “We haven’t played those teams before but I know both are very strong so it will definitely be tough getting to the final.”
As finals approach, Dunlop expressed their optimism.
“We do have a strong team but we know that Kincardine and Sacred Heart from the other side also present challenges ahead.” Leading up to playoffs, Dunlop mentioned practices will focus on special teams including power plays and penalty kills.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Dunlop highlighted that many players enjoy playing alongside teammates they don’t usually get to join outside school.“We have some students who play for the Port Elgin Rep team; others come from Waterloo, Owen Sound and Saugeen Maitland. It’s great seeing these students who play at different levels come together as one team with fantastic results this year,” Dunlop shared.
She added that Grade 12 players take on leadership roles while younger players show determination playing high-level hockey; this blend is “working well for us.” As champions of BAA North, the Royals will also host the BAA championships on Feb.19 at The Plex in Port Elgin. All games at The Plex welcome fans – semi-finals will kick off at 10:30 AM and noon while finals begin at 2 PM. Share this article in your social network
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