The female U18 AAA Interlake Lightning are in the final stretch of their regular season.

The team played three games in three days this past weekend and now has just one more outing ahead of the playoffs. Goaltender Rachel Halldorson says they've learnt a ton under their new head coach.

"I think this season was very educational for all of us. With a new coach and a younger team, we all got to see the different perspectives," Halldorson explains. "Having Bill Bram as a coach, with his daughter playing for Team Canada, it's taught us a lot. He's helped us get prepared for the next level."

Their coach's daughter, Bailey Bram, was a part of Team Canada at various events from 2008 to 2018. Halldorson notes it's been cool to have such a high-profile coach behind their bench this season and adds that's made it very easy to absorb the information he's given to them.

"He believes in what 'team' stands for: Together Everyone Achieves More," Halldorson continues. "So, just playing for the team and playing for yourself, too, have been things he's taught us."

While the Lightning will be playing the second-placed team in the Manitoba U18 AAA Female Hockey League to start the playoffs, Halldorson thinks they have a chance to pull off the upset.

"I think Interlake gets underestimated a lot because of our past stats. So, I think, if we just go in there, play as hard as he can and get as many shots as we can to the net, I feel like we'll have a good chance to protect our zone."

The Lightning will play either the Westman Wildcats or the Winnipeg Ice in a five-game series when the playoffs begin. Interlake will get the chance to try some things out against their potential playoff opponent in their final game on Saturday in Winnipeg as they take on the Ice.

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