A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
(Lander, WY) – Team Wyoming sent 20 kids from across the state to the 14U AA Tier II Hockey National Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan April 2-6.
Among them were a pair of Lander athletes, Grady Eagle and Isaac Oland. Both young men, and Team Wyoming, competed very well overall winning their first five games at the tournament.
They’d knock off Team Alabama, squads from Atlanta, GA, Spokane, WA and Dubuque, Iowa twice. That winning streak secured a ticket in the championship game April 6th against the Nebraska Warbirds.
Team Wyoming had a strong performance in the title game, leading 3-1 into the third period. However, two quick goals from Nebraska late sent the contest into overtime tied 3-3.
In the first overtime period, Wyoming fans were convinced their team had won after Eagle fired a puck that appeared to be in the back of the net before it ricocheted out, leaving fans and players assured they had just won the championship. However, the referee waved the would-be goal off, eventually sending the game into a shootout.
Three athletes from each team competed in the shootout, including Grady. Eagle slid the puck past the goalie, notching the first score of the dramatic shootout. Ultimately though, Nebraska prevailed by one shootout goal, ultimately knocking off team Wyoming by a 4-3 final score.
Eagle produced impressive stats for Team Wyoming, leading scoring for the National Tournament and making the All-Tournament team. Oland contributed with a goal and 4 assists.
Not too bad for a couple of kids who come from a county without an indoor ice rink and only 12 local practices for their 14U age group!
For more information on the local Fremont County Freeze program, visit 10Hockey.com
