Apple Valley Peewee A hockey team takes sixth place in state tournament

Picture+from+Apple+Valley+Youth+Hockey+website

Picture from Apple Valley Youth Hockey website

It’s been an incredible season for the Apple Valley hockey team! Their team is made up of 13 members, all in the age range of 12-13 years old. Their home rinks are the Apple Valley Sports Arena at the Apple Valley High School, but they also skate at the Hayes Arena.

The last couple of years they played at the highest level, AA, but this year they played at the A level. The first part of their season was tryouts: Many kids tried out, and some of them were selected to play on the team. Once all the teams were picked, they started to practice. After a few practices, they were ready for their games. In their first couple of games, they were doing really well and winning multiple games.

After the first couple tournaments, the team was doing amazing and beating many of the other teams. Once their season was done, they started to play districts. In districts, they played teams from around their conference, which they ended up winning. After districts, they moved on to regions. When they went to regions, they won their first couple games, but unfortunately, lost one of their games. Their last shot for going to state was in a game against the Sibley Warriors. The game was really great and they ended up winning. They’re now going to state.

Photo from Apple Valley Youth Hockey website

 

Jackson Gilmore, one of the goalies for the Peewee A team, said, “We are preparing for state by training hard and having practice for a week and a half.” Sam Arendt, a forward player for the Peewee team, had a strong opinion on going to state.  Finally, defenseman Jack Benolkin for the Peewee team says, “I am going to play my best.”

The Peewee A state tournament took place in Duluth, Minnesota. The previous night, there was a dinner held for all the 8 teams that had made it to state. The next day, state tournaments started. Alexandria, the number 1 ranked team went against them first. Although they lost that game, they beat Stillwater’s team in their second game. Their last game would determine which team won fifth or sixth place. The opposing team, Denfeld High School in Duluth, ended up taking the win for the last game.

When the season was over, it had gone really well overall, and Apple Valley ended up taking 6th place in state! Whether winning or not, all players are proud to be a part of the team and represent our school with pride.