State Wars X Recap : 2002 Division

2002 Division

Recapping an Exciting Summer of State Wars Hockey

Over the next few months we will be releasing recaps of ALL of the divisions that took place at State Wars this summer. Obviously a lot of work goes into each one of these newsletters, as you will see from the content below, so please be patient as we will get to your division. This week we are featuring the 2002 division. We also will be posting numerous pictures on Facebook of the division we are highlighting so make sure you check it out. To see this info on Facebook, make sure you LIKE our State Wars Hockey Community Page (more info in the right column). Thank you for being a part of State Wars Hockey...enjoy!

It was great to be able to share our amazing 10th year anniversary with all of you who attended State Wars at the gorgeous SportONE/Parkview Icehouse. We felt this was our best event EVER and we look forward to making this wonderful event bigger and better in 2015!

Thank you to Pro Snaps Photography for the AMAZING action shots you see below. Check them out!

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16 Teams But Only ONE Goal In Mind!

The 2002 birth year was the first this past year that we were able break into AAA, AA, and A playoff levels. The top 8 teams registered were placed into the AAA/AA division, as teams representing Alberta, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Southern California competed. At the conclusion of round robin play the top 4 seeded teams would advance to the exclusive AAA playoff round, while the bottom 4 teams would advance to the AA playoff. We also had a separate 8 team "A" division, teams representing Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin would compete here. It is great to be able to put award medals to NINE different teams in the 2002 division out of the 16 teams competing in the birth year.

The AAA/AA division would see some incredible talent from not only both ends of the US but from up north in Canada as well. After playing four round robin games, there seemed to be a clear dividing line between those that had a legitimate shot at winning AAA or AA, but there were some teams (Pennsylvania and Southern California especially) that were right there with the top AAA teams as well. Team Michigan and Team Colorado would be the only two undefeated teams, both finishing with an impressive 4-0 record. Team Missouri would finish 3-1, losing a nail biter 5-4 to Colorado. The last team to qualify for the AAA playoff would be Team Ontario, finishing 2-2 but losing two close games to both Colorado and Missouri. Pennsylvania, So Cal, Georgia, and Alberta would round out the AA playoff. 7 of the 8 teams would win or tie at least one game through round robin play, so the playoffs would be very interesting to say the least. Tournament stud Dominic James (MI) led the tournament in goals (8), assists (12), and points (20). Malone Huisinger (GA) led the tournament in saves (68), Chase Christopher (MO) had the best save % (.891), Nikolas Simo (MI) and Christopher (MO) tied with a tourney best goals against average (1.25).

The A division as always would have a very level playing field with so many close games. This division would be wide open with all teams having a shot at taking home a prestigious State Wars medal. No team would win every game in this division, Team Kansas would finish with the best record at 3-0-1. Team Illinois would finish 2-0-2 (tying top seeded Kansas 3-3 and North Carolina 4-4), Team Wisconsin would finish 3-1 (after a tough 7-5 loss to Illinois) and both Nebraska and North Carolina would finish 2-1-1 (Nebraska would lose only 2-1 to their rival Kansas). Tennessee, Michigan and Texas would round out the group. All teams would reseed and advance to the A playoff round. Zakary Karpa (IL) led the tournament in goals (11) and points (15). Garrett Parker (TN), Matthew McKenna (WI), and Tyler Dale (WI) all tied with the tourney lead in assists (6). Jennifer Baulisch (NE) led the division in save % (.845), James Dunne (KS) had the best goals against average (2.50) and Sean Jensen (TX) had the most saves (78).

The AAA playoffs would kick off with the top seeded Team Michigan squad meeting the #4 seeded Team Illinois. This game would belong to Michigan as they would cruise to a 7-0 victory. Dominic James (MI) would lead the way with a 4 point effort and Courtney Hall (MI) would bury a hat trick in the victory. Anthony Giordano (ON) was under attack much of the game in net, but played very well. Nikolas Simo (MI) stood tall recording the shutout. The #2 vs #3 semi final traditionally is the toughest and this would be no exception as Colorado and Missouri would square off. Having lost to Colorado by a goal earlier in the tourney, Missouri was hoping for a better result. Clayton Liefeld (MO) would open the scoring, Blake Dangos (MO) assisting. Peyton Anderson (CO) and Easton Burg (CO) would score back to back goals to put the "Rocky Mountain State" on top (Zavion McCovy (CO) and Aidan Thompson (CO) assisting). Brett Robinson (MO) who has been a leader for the 02's for years would score another big goal in his young career thanks to a feed from Benjamin Wuori (MO). Score tied 2-2 at half. Much of the second would see good team play and solid goaltending as both Tommy Cencich (CO) and Chase Christopher (MO) would hold down the fort for their teams. Mid way through, Peyton Anderson (CO) would break through, as he and Ashton Smaldone (CO) would combine. Aidan Thompson (CO) would then score a huge power play goal. A late goal by Blake Dangos (MO) would get Missouri within one, but Colorado would hold on and move on to the much awaited match with Michigan.

The AAA bronze medal game would see Missouri and Colorado both hoping to salvage a win after tough losses in the semis. The fun part about having these bronze games is it allows another team to go home on a high and after a big win! Sometimes when looking at photos, the smiles on the bronze winners are just as bright as the overall champions (minus the huge State Wars cup). The first half would be back and forth, with JP Moreira (ON) scoring the lone goal, off a nifty feed from Dylan McDonald (ON). An early second half power play would extend their lead as Moreira (ON) would strike again, this time assisted by Alexander Dickey (ON). Moments later Brennan Rupert (ON) would put Ontario up 3-0. Finally in the last minute, Missouri would strike as Mason Christopher (MO) and Tyler Caine (MO) would combine for a goal. Ontario would win 5-1 and take home the bronze.

The AAA gold medal game would lead up to the billing and all the hype. A great squad from the mid west meeting a terrific group from out west, the two undefeated teams to this point both on five game winning streaks. Both teams would be coached by two veterans in Dave Fromm (CO) and Tom Simo (MI). and both having some of the countries top roller/ice players. Both Fromm and Simo would be applauded for being great promoters of roller hockey to the "ice world", we need more like them who GET IT. This game would be a tale of two very different halves, as Colorado would own much of the first. Peyton Anderson (CO) who happens to be one of the best female players at State Wars would open the scoring, as state stud Aidan Thompson (CO) would assist. Then Zachary Anderson (CO) would bury a feed from Peyton (no relation) Anderson (CO). The half would end with Colorado up 2-0 and looked to be in total control. Sometimes it just takes one goal to spark confidence, I don't care if your an '02 or a pro hockey player, and Michigan would get such a spark from Trey Ziebol (MI) as he would bury a feed from Louis Wolf (MI) to give Michigan some life. Ziebol (MI) would strike again this time short handed to tie the game and put Colorado in trouble. The next six minutes would see some of the best action packed excitement one could expect from 12 year olds playing hockey. You could see the many different levels of emotions going through the coaches and parents all around the rink. Just when it looked as though this game would be going to sudden death overtime, one of the top female players around, from the "other bench" would have her moment, as Courtney Hall (MI) would bury a pass from Hunter Hudgins (MI) with seconds left and help her team capture the AAA title in the '02 division. What an incredible game, one full of only winners in my eyes and I cannot wait to see this rivalry build! Hall (MI) would take home MVP honors with the game winner.

The AA playoffs would kick off with a terrific game between the #5 seeded Team Pennsylvania versus the #8 seeded Team Alberta. Pennsylvania stud Frankie Jirak (PA) would score an early goal to give his squad the lead, little did anyone know how valuable this goal would be in the game. Both netminders, Christian Hartner (PA) and Logan Brown (AB) would match each other save for save, both playing their heart out. Both teams would get terrific defense and great team play, as neither team could find the back of the net. Jirak's goal would end up being the lone goal in a very rare 1-0 victory, Pennsylvania would head to the AA championship game. In the other semi final, the #6 seeded Southern California squad would meet up with Team Georgia. Early on this game would belong to So Cal as they would open up the scoring, as Michael Wang (CA), Logan Gallaher (CA), and Clay Bozanich (CA) would score three straight. Georgia stud Miles Harrington (GA) would gain some momentum back fro his team, converting a feed from Joshua Garrett (GA). Georgia would build off this momentum to start the second, as Andrew Depuydt (GA) would put one home, getting Georgia within one. Southern California would waste little time returning the favor however, as Zachary Mojarro (CA) and Aiden Graciano (CA) would help So Cal pull away. Final score 5-3 Southern California. Malone Huisinger (GA) would face the majority of the shots this game and kept his team within striking distance. Ryan Arizona (CA) would play solid in net as well securing the win.

So the semi final results would set up the AA bronze medal match up between Georgia and Alberta, two groups of players who have definitely never laid eyes upon each other on a hockey rink. Head coaches Ryan Kazakow (AB) and Tim Harrington (GA) were both amped at the chance to leave State Wars with a win and a shiny bronze medal around their neck. Team Alberta would jump out on tio with three quick strikes, as Kylen Hetzner (AB), Ethan Sakaluk (AB), and Tristan Hoffus (AB) would all bury first half goals (Brendan Bye and Austin Giant would assist). Ozzie Hoffler (GA) would answer back for the "Peach State", as the half would end 3-1. Both goalies, John-Patrick Donohue (GA) and Logan Brown (AB) would keep their teams in the game, with good save after save. Alberta would regain their cushion as the two Tanners (Moser and Ruby) would combine for a strike. In the end, Alberta would secure the bronze medal with a 6-2 win.

The AA championship stage was set, as east would meet west, or in this case Team Pennsylvania would meet Team Southern California. Aiden Graciano (CA) and Michael Wang (CA) would combine for an early Southern California goal and 1-0 lead. Many times goals come in bunches, almost contagious and this would be the case for "the Keystone State" as Frankie Jirak (PA), Nicholas Pozzuolo (PA), and Dominic Carbonetta (PA) would put Pennsylvania up 3-1. So Cal would answer back as Graciano would net his second of the half, this time Logan Gallaher (CA) would receive "the apple" but not to be outdone, Ronnie Delfera (PA) would respond. So Cal would score two first minute goals in the second half, as Michael Wang (CA) and Kyle Wilson (CA) would find the back of the twine and tie the score at four apiece. Moments later, one of the Pennsylvania's top all around players, Shane Albert (PA) would score his biggest goal of the tourney as it would hold up to be the game winner. Frankie Jirak (PA) would take home MVP honors with a 4 point effort in the final game. Christian Hartner (PA) also had an incredible game and was a huge part of the win.

The A playoffs are always very interesting to watch and in my opinion always the toughest to predict, as typically this is a division that anyone can win. The #1 seeded Kansas team would have an easy time with the #8 seeded Team Texas, cruising to an 8-0 victory. Cameron Crolley (KS) would lead the way with four points. Sean Jensen (TX) got bombarded in net with over 30 shots and played terrific. The #2 seeded Illinois team would meet the #7 seeded Team Michigan in their match. Zakary Karpa (IL) would lead the way for Illinois with a three point effort on way to a 5-2 victory. Hunter Rutt (MI) and Christopher Dundas (MI) would score the lone Michigan goals. Both Joy Fitzgibbons (MI) and Michael Parisi (IL) would play solid in net. The #3 seeded Wisconsin squad would meet the #6 ssed Team Tennessee in their quarter final match up. Wisco is a very fun high flying offense to watch, with very creative players. Tyler Dale (WI) would dominate for Wisconsin with a four point game and teammate Max Montes (WI) another local stud, would record his own hat trick. Slava Yarger, Calo Hoffman, Brett Worster, and Brandon Olivas (TN) would all score for a tough Tennessee group, in the end the day would belong to Wisco with a 9-4 win. Jackson Cook (TN) stood on his head at times, facing over 30 shots in the loss. Mark Moreno (WI) played great in the winning effort as well. The first upset of the A playoffs would come in the toughest match of the #4 seed Team Nebraska facing the #5 seed Team North Carolina. Well I don't know if you can call it an upset as both teams finished with the same record through round robin and other than wearing your white jersey, I am not sure that being "home" means much here. State Wars veteran Ethan Chipping (NC) who has always been one of my favorites to watch from North Carolina would score an incredible four goals in the quarter final. Hannah Bedore (NE) another incredible hockey player from Nebraska would bury two of her own. North Carolina would hold on for a 5-4 victory in the end. Joey Drollinger (NE), Shay Jenneman (NE) and Jacob Kurak (NC) would also score goals. Lance Skelton (NC) and Jennifer Baulisch (NE) both proved why there are two of the top goalies in the division with great efforts.

The first semi final in the A playoff would find two states that are as close as it gets, Wisconsin and Illinois. As he has done all tourney, Zakary Karpa (IL) would get the scoring going for Illinois, netting two goals in the opening half. Pierce Johnson (WI) would do his best imitation as he too would put home two goals for Wisconsin. Kyle Retsky (IL) and Tyler Dale (WI) would play helpers. After Max Montes (WI) opening half goal, Wisconsin's Matthew McKenna (WI) would play possessed, burying three straight including two shorty's! Karpa (IL) would do his best to get Illinois back in the game, scoring an additional two goals including a short hander of his own. Jake Stockbridge (IL) would combine with Jakob Karpa (IL) for a late tally bringing Illinois back to within one and making the Wisco bench sweat a bit. Mark Moreno (WI) would hold off a late come back attempt, Wisconsin wins 6-5 in an incredible game. Michael Parisi (IL) played well once again between the pipes. In other semi final action, Kansas would meet North Carolina, as two very offensive minded squads would take the floor together. Cameron Crolley (KS) and Eli Gratz (KS) would get things off on the right foot (or skate) for Kansas and to the delight of head coach Rick Hawkins. Long time State Wars player, Liam West (NC) would combine with Jacob Kurak (NC) to get the "Tar Heel state" back in the game. The next couple of minutes would be owned by Kansas, as they would score four unanswered goals, with North Carolina getting one back late in the half. Trailing 7-2, North Carolina head coach Steve Denton would not let his team quit and kept pushing them, it worked as Ethan Chipping (NC) would score a hat trick in the second (Erik Nelson assisted on one). Unfortunately for NC that is all they could muster, as Kansas would lock things down in their end and win by a 7-5 score. Another extremely fun game to watch, especially when you don't have a dog (or kid) in the fight!

The A bronze medal game between Illinois and North Carolina would once again feature some great offensive style hockey. Both goaltenders Michael Parisi (IL) and Lance Skelton (NC) would face their share of tough shots and great scoring chances. As he did all tourney long, Zakary Karpa (IL) would kick things off for Illinois scoring the first two goals of the game, his brother Jakob would assist on the first and Michael Nicioli (IL) would on the second. Moments later Nicioli (IL) would add another (Z Karpa assisting this time around). To no surprise North Carolina would not go quietly as two of the best around Liam West (NC) and Ethan Chipping (NC) would net back to back goals, bringing the score to 3-2. The Karpa brothers would strike again to end the half, Illinois leading 4-2. Illinois would dominate the middle part of the second half, scoring three straight once again. North Carolina would score a couple late goals, including one by Derek Geiger (NC) but in the end Illinois would win the bronze by an 8-5 score.

The A championship game would feature two very solid squads in Kansas and Wisconsin. Blake Hawkins (KS) is known as one of the top players in the division and he would put his team on top just 17 ticks into the game. Both teams would trade chances for quite awhile but then Kansas would go on the power play and things would change. Unfortunately for coach Rick Hawkins, the Kansas power play would be a momentum changer but not in the way he would have wanted, as Franklin Montes (WI) would combine with Pierson Johnson (WI) for a shorthanded tally. This goal seemed to deflate Kansas and energize Wisconsin, as they would score the next 6 goals of the game and take a commanding 7-1 lead. Montes (WI) would finish with a hat trick and earn MVP honors for a great final game. Both James Dunne (KS) and Mark Moreno (WI) would face plenty of strong chances. Wisconsin would be taking home another gold medal after the 8-2 victory. Kansas however, taking home the silver would continue to improve and look to be one of the most improved state teams in the last year!

Our hope is that everyone in attendance had a terrific time win or lose. State Wars is about so much more than just the play between the whistles. It is about representing where you come from and taking pride in that, something that should be taught at an early age. It is also about playing with different players from around the state or province and making tons of new friendships. It is also a special time for families to spend together and hopefully create life long memories that we can all look back at one day.

Thank you for making State Wars Hockey so special for us and please help spread the word to others about this event, as we strive each year to get bigger and better!

Individual Award Winners

AAA/AA Division

"Goalie Monkey MVG' Chase Christopher (MO)

"Warrior High Scorer" Dominic James (MI)
"Tour Best Defensive Player" Clayton Liefeld (MO)

A Division

"Warrior High Scorer" Zakary Karpa (IL)

"Goalie Monkey MVG" Jennifer Baulisch (NE)

"Tour Best Defensive Player" Tanner Schutt (WI)

Alkali Hockey Skills Competition Winners

AAA/AA Division

"Alkali Hockey Top Sniper" Miles Harrington (GA)

"Alkali Hockey Top Goalie" Christian Hartner (PA)

"Alkali Hockey Top Skater" Clayton Liefeld (MO)

A Division

"Alkali Hockey Top Sniper" Ethan Chipping (NC)

"Alkali Hockey Top Skater" Hannah Bedore (NE)

"Alkali Hockey Top Goalie" Lance Skelton (NC)

Pride & Honor All Star Selections

TEAM HONOR AAA/AA : Brendan Bye (AB), Dominic James (MI), Frankie Jirak (PA), Peyton Anderson (CO), Courtney Hall (MI), Luke Clark (CO), Brendan Ruppert (ON), Clay Bozanich (CA), Hunter Hudons (MI), Zachary Anderson (CO), Anthony Giordano (ON), Tommy Cencich (CO) .

TEAM PRIDE AAA/AA : Clayton Liefeld (MO), Miles Harrington (GA), Andrew Saunders (ON), Aiden Graciano (CA), Brett Robinson (MO), Andrew Depuydt (GA), Shane Albert (PA), Jack Mesic (MI), Anthony Solt (CO), Thomas Ramer (MO), Chase Christopher (MO), Nikolas Simo (MI).

TEAM HONOR A : Zakary Karpa (IL), Blake Hawkins (KS), Christopher Dundas (MI), Zach Hoffman (NE), Brett Worster (TN), Max Montes (WI), Derek Geiger (NC), Nicole Maddox (MI), Liam West (NC), Matteo Bir (IL), James Dunne (MO), Lance Skelton (NC)

TEAM PRIDE A : Ethan Chipping (NC), Sebastien Hale (TX), Tanner Schutt (WI), Cameron Crolley (KS), Kyle Retsky (IL), Joey Drollinger (NE), Slava Yarger (TN), Hannah Bedore (NE), Matthew McKenna (WI), Gavin Davis (KS), Jennifer Baulisch (NE), Mark Moreno (WI).

Team North America "the BEST of the BEST"

Dominic James (MI), Frankie Jirak (PA), Peyton Anderson (CO), Aiden Graciano (CA), Courtney Hall (MI), Luke Clarke (CO), Clayton Liefeld (MO), Brett Robinson (MO), Miles Harrington (GA), Shane Albert (PA), Chase Christopher (MO), and Anthony Giordano (ON).

SW11

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

State Wars will be held at the beautiful St.Peters Rec Plex in St.Peters, Missouri.

July 29 - Aug 9, 2015

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