The Jr. Chaos U13A team has etched a spot in the history book of Cochrane minor hockey.

In dramatic style, they have become the first Cochrane female team to win a provincial championship.

In preliminary play, the Jr. Chaos beat Sherwood Park and Red Deer before tying Grande Prairie, 5-5. In the semifinals, they beat the host Camrose team to earn a rematch with Grande Prairie in the gold-medal game.

Tied 2-2 at the end of regulation, it was Reese McKay who lifted the Chaos to an overtime win with her second goal of the game, assisted by Kaia Fleming and Allie McClements.

The Chaos advanced to provincials last year and used it as a learning experience.

"We didn't have a good showing last year," says head coach Ryan McKay. "We finished sixth, and Grande Prairie was the team that won."

This season, the Chaos split their regular-season series with the Grande Prairie and knew that they would be the team to beat in provincials.

"It was pretty exciting for our girls," he says.

That especially went for the second-year players who got a taste of provincials last season.

"Those were our leaders on our team, and they were definitely motivated to take the title this year."

The girls had massive support in the stands. 

"We had the biggest cheering section out of all six teams there. We had a ton of, parents, grandparents, and siblings. It was quite impressive," says McKay.

Lorne Bremner, director of minor hockey's female hockey operations, is one of the pioneers of the female hockey program in Cochrane and is thrilled and proud of what the team accomplished.

He recalls how eight years ago they were begging for female players and they have since built it into an impressive 230-player program.

In the beginning, they combined with Airdrie to create a U13 team. As the numbers built, they went on to play B hockey.

"Then a couple of years ago, we said, nope, we're going to go 'A', and we're going to figure this stuff out, so it's been an ongoing progression. I'm super proud of the program, proud of all the coaches, and I'm proud of myself a bit, too, because I was the coach for quite a few years until I stepped aside and let others take over. Iely amazing what they accomplished."

Bremner says you can't overlook their hard-working board.

"Whenever you get the chance, pump their tires, 'cause I don't think there's a board anywhere that supports female hockey like our board does."

In related news, the Jr, Chaos U11A team is hosting a tournament this weekend at the SLS Centre to wrap up their season.

The annual Esso Female Come Try Hockey Day is on Apr. 16.