Lightning Sweep Coyotes; Palominos Advance After Buffaloes Forfeit

Lethbridge Lightning Sweep Cremona Coyotes; Nanton Palominos Advance After

In a decisive display of skill and strategy, the Lethbridge Lightning have swept the Cremona Coyotes in a best-of-five series, securing their spot in the Ranchland Hockey League finals. The Lightning dominated the series, clinching victory in three straight games.

The series commenced on February 14, 2025, at the Taber Arena, where the Lightning set the tone with a commanding 7-2 win over the Coyotes. The momentum continued the following day in Lethbridge, as the home team overwhelmed Cremona with a 10-2 triumph. Facing elimination, the Coyotes returned home to the Cremona Ag Society Community Arena on February 16. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short in an overtime thriller, with the Lightning edging out a 5-4 victory to complete the sweep.

Meanwhile, the Nanton Palominos advanced to the finals under unusual circumstances. They secured dominant wins in the first two games against the Siksika Buffaloes, with a 12-1 victory on February 14 and a 16-0 shutout on February 15, both held at the Tom Hornecker Recreation Center. The series was set to continue on February 21 at the Siksika Deerfoot Sportsplex; however, the Buffaloes forfeited the game, granting the Palominos a direct path to the championship round.

With both teams sweeping their respective series, the Lethbridge Lightning and Nanton Palominos will now meet in a highly anticipated best-of-seven final series. Fans can expect an intense battle as these two powerhouse teams compete for the Ranchland Hockey League championship.