The host province will meet Ontario Blue in its preliminary round opener tonight (7 p.m.) in Morden at Hockey Canada's 2019 National Women's U18 Championship.

"It's extremely exciting but also very nerve wracking just because we're playing the best of the best but at the end of the day it's exciting," said Team Manitoba defenseman Rebecca Thiessen who plays for Balmoral Hall.

"I think we have a really good group of girls. We're starting to mesh. We starting to become more of a team. Everyone is so good and so talented."

The 17-year-old Morris product is also thrilled to be playing in a National Championship just 45 minutes from her hometown.

"I think it's awesome that we're so close. A lot of my family can come and watch and see you I've developed over the years."

Team Manitoba will face British Columbia on Wednesday and play its final preliminary round game against Quebec on Thursday.

Thiessen says facing three teams they really don't know that much about can be challenging.

"You have to adapt very quickly and adapt to your competitors and your own teammates too. It's difficult but at the end of the day it's fun."

Manitoba, Ontario Blue, British Columbia and Quebec are in Group A and will play their preliminary round games in Morden.

Saskatchewan, Ontario Red, Alberta and Atlantic are in Group B and play their preliminary round games in Winkler.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals on Friday.

The Gold medal and Bronze medal games take place Saturday in Winkler.

 

Clayton Dreger asked Team Manitoba head coach Rob Voth to comment on the 2019 National Women's U18 Hockey Championship