A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
Written by Carl Cote
(Riverton, WY) – The Fremont Freeze youth hockey program captured state championships in three age divisions over the past two weeks, doing so under a condition no other team in Wyoming faced: they couldn’t practice.
The state-winning Fremont Freeze bantams stand for a photo with their state cup. h/t Fremont Freeze 
The Fremont Freeze squirt team poses for a photo with their state championship banner and trophy. h/t Fremont Freeze The U18 Fremont Freeze pose for a photo after they won state last weekend in Sheridan. h/t Fremont Freeze
Riverton’s outdoor ice rink, the only outdoor rink among the state’s 11 hockey associations, remained unusable for nearly the entire season due to mild temperatures. While programs across Wyoming held regular indoor practices, Fremont Freeze skaters had just a single on-ice session before state, and a pre-season practice held in Pinedale in October.
“We depend on Mother Nature for ice here,” said U18 head coach Jeremy Hughes.
The Freeze’s U18, bantams, and squirts all brought home titles despite the lack of practice time on skates.
“They amaze me every year,” said Hughes. “They come out, play hard, learn, and don’t make excuses. It’s amazing what these kids do.”
Hughes, who has coached for 12 years and has been behind the U18 bench for three seasons, grew up in Casper with access to an indoor rink and played club hockey at the University of Wyoming. He said the skating deficit is not something he takes lightly.
“I grew up playing hockey and I’m an avid believer that you could be in the best running shape of your life, but there’s not much of a replacement for actually being on skates,” Hughes said. “To not have practice, I can’t imagine the position they’re in.”
The U18 squad was also without senior Brayden Baker, who was sidelined with a knee injury sustained during football season.
The Freeze draws players from both Riverton and Lander, and one player from Douglas, on the U-18 squad this season. Hughes described the group as a close-knit community who all get along despite Riverton and Lander rivalries in other sports.
Fremont County Hockey Association president Ryan Hamilton called the accomplishment remarkable.
“It’s remarkable what we were able to accomplish this year,” Hamilton said. “Especially without the ability to practice.”
Hughes said he hopes the championships bring more visibility to a program he believes doesn’t get its due.
“It’s a program that sees a lot of success and probably doesn’t get enough credit around the community,” he said. “Other sports get mentioned way more. It’d be great to get more people to try it… It’s an amazing sport.”
