The female U18 AAA Central Plains Capitals capped off their showcase tournament with a victory. The Caps came out on top 3-1 against the Pilot Mound Buffaloes tonight. Forward Danika Botterill had opened the scoring in this contest, while also scoring the goal to ice the game in the final minutes. She describes the keys to the win.

"In the last few periods, we were able to get our passing going," Botterill explains. "We didn't get off to a great start but we got going in the next two periods."

After scoring a goal within the first two minutes of play, neither team was able to get in the scoring column for nearly 30 minutes. Botterill says blocking shots and keeping the puck visible to their goalie was extremely important in holding onto their lead.

The Capitals were up 2-1 with about four minutes left to play when Botterill decided to seal the deal herself.

"As I was coming through the defenders I was like 'oh, it's open.' So, I cut past one player I just thought 'I can skate around her," says Botterill. "After that, I just hoped the shot would go in."

Her shot was perfectly placed on the short side and hit the crossbar before dropping into the back of the Buffaloes' net. That gave Central Plains the momentum they needed to finish the game out strong and hold onto their 3-1 lead.

Botterill says they still have a few things they can work on ahead of next week's regular-season opener.

"We need to focus on working hard and not playing down to other teams' levels," Botterill explains. "We just have to stay together as a team and have each others' backs."

The Capitals will begin the new season on the road this Saturday as they take on the Westman Wildcats.