Winterhawks take state title

The Winterhawks Midget team of the Big Lake Amateur Hockey Association traveled to North Pole last weekend and skated away with the Midget state championship.

The Winterhawks reached the championship game after defeating Nikiski 4-3 in a thrilling overtime victory in the cross-over round, then upset the Anchorage Polar Ice Caps 2-1 to secure the title.

"The kids came out flying in the championship game, playing fast and furious," said coach Lew Dischner. "The kids had tremendous heart and energy - everyone worked hard for the win."

Brad Peltz scored the first goal for the Winterhawks, with Patrick Geary and Travis Thornhill picking up assists. Justin Keel scored the second goal unassisted.

Goaltender Morgan Jett faced 32 shots on goal, registering 31 saves.

"Morgan had an outstanding tournament for us to keep us in the games," Dischner said.

The Winterhawks are comprised of players from all of the high school hockey programs in the Valley.

Dischner said he only had 11 players available for the tournament due to injuries and ineligibility, but the additional ice time required by the players didn't seem to affect their play.

"Everyone stepped up to fill in and help each other out," he said. "It was exciting to see everything that we have been coaching all year happening out there."

The state title capped a very successful year for the Winterhawks, who won the Turkey Shootout and President's Cup tournaments during the season.

"This was a good way to finish a very interesting year for us," Dischner said.