As the Whitehorse Mustangs midget AA hockey team continues to struggle through the provincial championships, their pee wee counterparts played a big game against South Okanagan at their provincials this morning.

The pee wees, who are skating at the B.C. championships in Port Alberni, turned on the offence in their final game of the tournament, defeating South Okanagan 8-5 to finish in ninth spot overall.

The Mustangs beat Mission 5-2 on Tuesday to make it into the playoff round.

Meanwhile, the bantams, who recently won the bronze ulu at the Arctic Winter Games, are also out of town at their provinvials, which are being held in Richmond. The bantams took their matchup versus the Triport North Island Eagles 2-1 on Tuesday, despite a depleted lineup, before dropping a 5-3 decision to Hollyburn Wednesday.

The Mustangs will now take on Rossland/Trail at 11 a.m. this morning, for seventh place overall.

The midget Mustangs will also face Rossland/Trail in their final game of the B.C. championships, which is scheduled for 7:30 this evening at Takhini Arena. Rossland/Trail won their game against Aldergrove this morning, which means regardless of tonight's outcome, the Mustangs will finish ninth and won't make the playoffs.

That's because of a tough 7-3 loss to Winfield Wednesday night, as the Mustangs started out behind the eight ball and never really recovered. Backup goalie Mitch Heynen made a few key saves despite facing a lot of pressure in his first start of the tournament, but Whitehorse couldn't keep the Bruins from cashing in on their chances.

It was 4-1 after the first period and 5-2 after two. Aaron Pettitt got the Mustangs on the board first, assisted by Kaleb Dawe and goaltender Mitch Heynen. Lowell Johnston unassisted and Chris Gleason also potted goals for Whitehorse. Drew Pettitt and Brad Holm provided the assists on Gleason's marker.

In early action this morning at Takhini Arena, it was:

Rossland/Trail 5

Aldergrove 3

Graham Proux had a big game for Rossland/Trail, grabbing two goals and an assist. Lane Stopanski added a goal and two assists while Stephen Dennler had a goal and one helper. Thomas Abenante also scored while Kris Davis claimed two assists. David Como, Luke McLean and Paul Mailey were each awarded one assist.

Stephen Myckatyn, Nick Robson and Clark Barry found the back of the net for Aldergrove, with assists going to Myckatyn, Tom Witowich, Chris Price and Myles Hollenbeck.

Winfield 3

Quesnel 2

Darcey Backstrom recorded two goals and an assist for Winfield. Brad Friedrichs tacked on a goal and an assist while Pete Friesen, Nathan Piche and Scott Terhune each picked up an assist.

Alession Tomasetti and Shaun Pedersen each collected a goal and an assist for Quesnel while Jordan Rippon and Dan Hillman each had one helper.

Wednesday's Results

Aldergrove 6

Winfield 2

Stephen Myckatyn led Aldergrove with a goal and two assists while Scott Thiessen and Curtis Paulson each tacked on a goal and one helper. Tom Witowich, Trent Pehlke and Myles Hollenbeck also hit the twine while Kyle Wall finished with two assists.

Robert Brooks and Nathan Piche provided the offence for Winfield, assisted by Mike Hoogstins, Braydon Trook and Micha Rauguth.

Smithers 9

Kerry Park 2

Zach Davies, Matt Arnold and Randall Groot notched two goals apiece for Smithers.

Brandon Alessio contributed a goal and three assists while Darcy Huisman had a goal and an assist. Christen Vance also found the back of the net while Taylor Stuart claimed two assists. Trevor Boyko, Cody Sutherland, Brad Goss and Brian Moisey were each credited with one helper.

Cam Braes and Brent Holness scored for Kerry Park, with assists going to Trevor Gicas (2), Travis Skelly and Braes.

Quesnel 6

Rossland/Trail 5

Scoring came from all corners for Quesnel, with Alessio Tomasetti collecting a pair of goals and Shawn Fulton netting a goal and two assists. Eric Galbraith and Jordan Rippan each tacked on a goal and an assist while Riley Ferster also scored.

Eric Faulkner, Dan Hillman and Jordan Givens each had an assist.

Lane Stopanski replied for Rossland/Trail with two goals of his own while Paul Mailey posted a goal and three assists.

Derek Curlew and Mark Dainton also lit the lamp while Ryan Cunningham and Graham Proulx each chipped in with two assists. Tylor Johnson finished with one helper.

Hollyburn 3

Dawson Creek 0

Peter Alexander recorded the shutout in goal for Hollyburn. Sean Smith, Jonathon Der and Evan Straight provided the offence.

Smith, John Clough and Colin deJersey were credited with the assists.