The Skylar Ackerman rink will be back in green this week as they prepare to represent Saskatchewan at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.

This will be the second national event this year for the local rink and Ackerman said they're excited to get the tournament underway.

"This has been a long time coming for our team, we've been working towards it for three years, it's absolutely surreal," she said. "I'm so proud of my team for all their hard work and we're ready to give it our all and play our hearts out this week."

The Ackerman rink served as the host team at the Canadian Junior Championship in Prince Albert last month. Ackerman said that experience will serve them well heading into this week.

"We've been practicing a lot and we're ready to compete with the best of teams here," she said.

"[Junior Nationals] taught us a lot about our game style and what we need to do moving forward, a lot of these teams will be the same, so we know what to expect."

Ackerman, along with third Madison Johnson, second Chantel Hoag and lead Samantha McLaren, have plenty of experience going up against Canada's best after securing a silver medal at the Canadian Under-18 Championship last year.

The young team are confident that they can get the job done and bring home a medal.

"We just need to stay relaxed, not get frustrated and play like we know we can and we'll have a lot of success that way," said Ackerman.

Ackerman added that they're excited to take in the whole experience around the Games, "I'm really excited to be a part of a bigger team, being able to go and cheer for other sports and being part of a big atmosphere and such a great time here," she said.

Saskatchewan will hit the ice on Sunday for their opening game against the Northwest Territories and Nova Scotia.

Moose Jaw will have two other athletes competing during Week 2 of the Games with Ryann Handley and Raine Eberl hitting the ice in figure skating.