The U18 AAA Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs are national champions after winning the 2026 Esso Cup on April 25, 2026, in Dieppe, New Brunswick. The team secured their first-ever national title by defeating the Stoney Creek Sabres 4-3 in a hard-fought overtime victory.
The championship win capped off a perfect tournament run for the Chiefs, who finished with an undefeated 7-0 record. The team, which draws players from across central Alberta including Sylvan Lake, Bentley, Olds, Carstairs, Lacombe, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, Calgary, and Edmonton, overcame a 3-2 deficit in the third period to force the extra frame.
Jensyn Stephenson of Bentley played a pivotal role in the win, scoring the decisive goal 3:50 into overtime. Stephenson led the entire tournament in scoring with 13 points, consisting of 8 goals and 5 assists. Early goals from Sylvan Lake natives Macy Morrison and Reece Lacina had provided the Chiefs with an initial 2-0 lead during the first period.
Goaltender Brylee Hull, also from Sylvan Lake, was a standout throughout the competition. She finished the tournament with a 5-0 record and was named the tournament’s Top Goaltender after stopping 27 of 30 shots in the championship game.
Head coach Don Morrison described the victory as the perfect ending to a season of hard work and growth. This national title is a milestone for the organization, which previously earned a silver medal when they hosted the national event in 2015.
