NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Negaunee U10 hockey team is looking to bring home a state championship next month for the first time in over a decade.
In March the Negaunee Miners Squirt AA will head to Kalamazoo to play in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association State Finals. The team has already proven itself as the best in the U.P. by winning the U.P. District Tournament.
“When we left as the winners it was pretty neat, every other team said we will be cheering you on, good luck down there,” remarked Paul Storm, the head coach of the team.
These players might be 10 years old but just like the pros before hitting the ice they have team meetings to discuss strategy. The players are confident in their abilities and excited to compete.
“We’re a pretty good team together, we really know how to pass the puck and everything like that, I think we can go pretty far in states,” said Daniel Gopert, a right winger on the team.
The team has been together for two years, the players have formed friendships off the ice.
“I like Mason, he is in the same class as me and were friends,” said Liam Turner, one of the teams goaltenders.
While the team is highly competitive, the coaches keep in mind these players are still just 10 years old.
“Some days they really like to be pushed, but we have to be patient, they go to school all day and then they come to the rink to have fun,” added Storm.
The team is set to head down to play in the state tournament March 1st through the 3rd.