If early season tournaments are a timely indicator of the progress any local hockey team is making, the Sudbury U11 A Lady Wolves are likely feeling pretty darn good about just where they're at.

The locals captured gold in their first tournament appearance of the year, racking up three wins and a tie at the Brock Jr Badgers showdown last weekend in St Catharines. And while a couple of teams were able to stay close to the Sudbury crew, the northern gals also mandhandled - or girlhandled, if you prefer - some teams en route to the title.

Case in point, an opening game 9-1 thrashing of the Burlington Barricudas, with underager Ally Hebert recognized as game MVP. Still, the team needed to be tested and so they were, doubling the host Jr Badgers 4-2 (Davey Dale - MVP) and playing to a 1-1 tie with the South Huron Sabres (Jordyn White - MVP).

The Lady Wolves closed out round robin play with another lopsided affair, running over the Oshawa Lady Generals 8-0 (Reese Doherty - MVP), setting the stage for a rematch with the Sabres.

This one was not nearly as close as Sudbury pulled away with a 4-0 win (no MVP awarded).

The balance of the U11 A roster is comprised of Maelle Angus, Eloize Charette, Taylor Croskery, Théa Dupuis, Zoe Gatien, Talia Gladu, Frédérique Larose, Reese Morris, Brooklyn O'Coin, Jordyn O'Coin, Olive Simon, Meredith Sonnenburg and Ava Wicklander.

Joining head coach Kyle Doherty as members of the team staff are assistant coaches Molly Pitkethly, Gord O'Coin, Brad White and Shannon Dow, trainer Kristy Hebert and team manager Marilyne Larose.

The team will now continue league play, plus practices, in preparation for their next weekend competition on December 2nd to the 4th, taking part in the Whitby Wolves Tournament of Heroes.