Page 16 - WLC YEAR 2 (FINAL WITH ADS)_Neat

LITTLE CAPS MAKE A SPLASH AT

USA HOCKEY TIER 1 NATIONALS

The 15U Little Caps arrived in Scottsdale Colorado scored in the second to go ahead
f the 189 teams across America
O playing at the 15U and 14U the No. 12 seed, after sweeping the 3-2, then pulled ahead 4-2 in the third. With
levels, only 16 teams at each level Southeast District championships in time running out, the Caps pulled goalie
Huntsville, Alabama. Connor Leslie (24 saves) but Colorado
advanced to the USA Hockey Tier
scored on the empty net to finish the game
1 National Championships. So it was a Right out of the box they faced the No. 5
huge accomplishment for the Little Caps to seed, and eventual finalist, Colorado 5-2.
send not one, but two teams to the 2017 Evolution. Colorado scored two quick goals On day two, the Caps faced No. 4 seed
championships in Scottsdale, Arizona. Buffalo Jr. Sabres and played what was
?Having the chance to play in the National " Having tw o teams arguably their best game of the season.
Championship was an amazing experience at Nationals, Buffalo struck first, but the Little Caps
for our players,? said Little Caps Hockey responded with a goal from Varga, assisted
Director Dan Jablonic. ?And for two of our show ing that they by defenseman Victor Hugo.
teams to not only make it to Nationals, but can play w ith the The game went back and forth, until Buffalo
have competitive games with the top teams scored a fluke goal on a shot from the point
in the country speaks to the progress our best teams in the that hit a Buffalo player and fluttered over
program is making.? goalie Andrew Owens? shoulder.
country, they?re
?Our players brought pride to our whole coming back w ith With a minute left in the third, the Caps
organization,? Jablonic says. ?Our focus on pulled their goalie in search of the equalizer
player development is making our players new found but Buffalo took advantage of the empty net
better, and as our players get better our confidence" to put the game out of reach 3-1.
teams are getting more competitive. We are
?That was a statement game for our
developing our kids the right way.?
to start the game. But the Caps regained program,? Jablonic says. ?I told the kids
It was the first time in five seasons that the after the game that, yes, we lost, but you just
their composure and responded with goals
Little Caps have made it to Nationals, and went toe to toe with one of the best teams in
from Owen Morgan and Adam Varga to tie
the first time in memory that the the country. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE
the game at the end of the first period.
organization sent not one, but two teams.
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