NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Iron Range Negaunee Miners, 12-U, AA hockey team will be departing for Traverse City tomorrow to play in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association State Tournament.
“To compete in the Tier Two state championship. Eight teams have qualified from around the state. They are from Metro Detroit, all the way to the Upper Peninsula,” said Head Coach Paul Storm.
The Double-A Iron Range Miners earned their spot in the state championship tournament after winning their district eight tournament held earlier this year in Calumet. Coach Storm attributes their success to years of playing together in various age groups.
“They compete hard at practice. You know they know each other well enough now, or they’re almost like brothers,” said Storm.
This Negaunee team has reached this point by being the highest scoring team in every tournament they played in and posting multiple shutouts along the way. However, there are no egos out on the ice, as teamwork is the priority.
“The only stat that matters is you know what kind of teammate you are. So, yeah, we don’t share stats. We don’t keep stats. It’s about learning how to be a team player,” explained Storm.
These 12 and 13-year-old players all understand the value of teamwork. “It means a lot because you just pass the puck around, and it’s fun passing the puck around, because then you have to score as a team with everybody,” said player Evan Cardinal. “Our strategy is probably to play more defense and not go for the puck as much,” said teammate Jace Dove.
These kids hit the ice in tournament play, beginning on Friday afternoon.
For a complete listing of scores, tournament progress, and future games, please visit https://www.ironrangehockey.com/
