MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Marquette junior hockey team is gearing up to play on the national stage.
The American Legion junior hockey team is on a collision course for greatness. The team will compete next month for a national championship.
For the past few weeks players who have graduated from the youth program have been scrimmaging the team to prepare them…
“We just have to take one game at a time, all of these games like this one today are just getting us ready for what’s to come,” commented Dylan Matulewicz, a player on the team.
Playing teams from around the country makes it difficult to scout the competition. By compiling older players to face off against, the team is gaining a competitive edge it will take with them.
“We’re just a great team overall, we were the underdogs going into the tournament and winning it was just great in front of our home crowd,” remarked Finn Scott, the team’s Goalie.
The national tournament will be played in Amherst, New York. For the players it’s the culmination of months of work.
“It’s the highlight of the year. A lot of hard work goes into it with the players, they have been able to revel in the last few weeks and enjoy the fruits of their labor,” said Head Coach Jon Nebel.
One of the keys to this team’s success has been years of being together not only on the ice, but off as well.
“Were very close, I have played with these guys my whole life, it is just amazing we get to do this together,”
The American Legion team will play its first game next week. The team is currently accepting donations to help fund its trip. To donate you can visit here.
