The Stettler Imperials took to the ice on October 25, 2025, in front of their home fans for the first time this season.
It was the Halloween Home Opener against the Irma Aces. Before the game, there was a ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stettler Sabres championship during the 1985-86 season. We were emailed by Richard Bowles, who had played for that championship team. He says, “We played a true team game, and the Alberta Championship was the culmination of community support, excellent organization off the ice, and a never-quit attitude on the ice.”
He also mentions how the old Stettler barn was home to the best crowds in the league, similar to the Imperials of today.
Around 500 people were in attendance on Saturday night, which was likely lower than it could have been, considering the Blue Jays were playing in the World Series that same night.
The starting goalies were Zac Duncan for the Imperials and Austin Prior for the Aces.
Irma got on the board first with a goal from Mike Shirley. The Imperials would tie it on the power play after Quade Cassidy scored his first of the night.
In the second period, the puck bounced off Mike Shirley as he was driving towards the net, giving Irma the lead and Shirley his second goal of the game.
The third period was more eventful as Quade Cassidy would get on the board again, as well as Coy Pighin, which gave Stettler the lead. Halfway through the period, Justin Ganie would go five hole on the Imperials’ goaltender to tie the game at 3. Ultimately, the game had to be settled in OT.
Both teams traded chances in the extra frame, but it would be the Ace’s captain, Tyler Fischer, who would go blocker side on Duncan and score the game-winning goal.
Stettler finished the game with 45 shots and Irma finished with 23.
Author: Alex Mykyta
Alex is the owner of Hometown Productions and Media. He has worked in media for over 10 years.
