To say the Club is extremely proud of our 16U team is quite an understatement.  Please read below, in their own words, about their storied season and their amazing run at the National Title!  Way to go, Team!

It’s extremely challenging to describe the 16U Central States Midget team's 2021-2022 storybook season! The team began their journey 223 days ago. Coach Jonathan Cannizzo, with the help of Coach Andrew Brown and Coach John Fiflis, set the tone early on creating a strong culture of young men both on and off the ice! This team quickly and seamlessly became a family unit dedicated to giving each other their all, day in and day out! With a regular season record of 39-6, the boys moved on to the Blackhawk Cup Tier II state tournament where they earned #1 in State and a trip to Nattys!!! The USA Hockey Nationals were held in Troy, Michigan, March 30th-Apr. 4th. The tournament began with opening ceremonies held at Troy Sports Center. As a top competitor in the 3A division, the Hawks, as well as 40 other teams, were introduced to a huge crowd of family and friends. Well rested and ready to play, the Hawks came out fired up and pucks blazin’ with a 4-1 win against CS rivals Affton Americans! Central CT and Monteclair Blues couldn’t stop the Hawks from coming out victorious with scores of 6-2 and 7-1! Determined to continue their streak, the Hawks shut out Team Ohio with a score of 4-0 in the quarterfinals matchup! This big win would bring the team to the semifinals on Sunday afternoon to challenge the LA Jr. Kings.  The Hawks' 6-1 victory, and undefeated record, sent the boys to the USA Hockey National 3A Division Championship game on Monday, April 4th, where they would face #4 ranked Steel City Renegades. It was a great hockey game between the two best teams in the country -- exactly how it should be for the last two teams standing in the 2021-2022 hockey season. The goalie for the Renegades was a machine and came ready to play -- blocking all 37 shots fired at the net. The Hawks fell short of earning the National Championship banner with a 0-2 loss to the Renegades. One game does not a Champion make!  Whether it was making a play happen, picking up a teammate after a tough play, taking a hard hit, or scoring a goal, EVERY member of the 16U Hawks contributed to their #1 nationally-ranked 46-8-0 monumental record season! The memories made on and off the ice between the players, coaches, and families will last a lifetime! These players accomplished what most teams can only dream of! The 16U Hawks will never forget the support and love they felt from their family, friends, and fans throughout this entire experience! #BeAHawk