Organizers say the National Women's Under-18 Hockey Championship last week in Winkler and Morden was a huge success.

Co-Organizer Clare Agnew notes the event wouldn't have been possible without an army of more than 250 volunteers and strong support from local sponsors.

"The sponsors' support in our area is unwavering... we truly can't do it without them," she says. "We can't do it without the volunteers, and we can't do it without the sponsors. And in this case, we exceeded our expectations in both areas."

She adds the joint-hosting duties split between Morden and Winkler was a bonding experience for both communities. "We really wanted to look at it as an event, you were volunteering for the event, it didn't matter venue you were in."

Total profits from the event are still being calculated, and Agnew says all funds will stay local. She says estimates suggest the local economy also saw a $1 million boost from the increase in traffic and visitors, with many hotels and restaurants full all week.

While hosting duties went off without a hitch, Team Manitoba struggled to gain momentum during the championship. The team went on to face Atlantic in the 7th place game, but fell 1-0 at the Winkler arena. The host province lost all four games and scored just three times.

"I think it was a good experience," Team Manitoba defenseman and Morris native Rebecca Thiessen told GoldenWest Sports Director Clayton Dreger. "It was very challenging just because it’s such high level hockey. I think we held ourselves the best we could. None of us are hanging our heads about this week."

The 17-year-old plays for Balmoral Hall and says she loved playing in a National Championship so close to home.

"It was nerve-wracking but it was very exciting," she says. "The experience was awesome. It was a once in a lifetime. I’ll cherish these memories that I’ve made for the rest of my life."