Our other AA semi final would also be a nail biter and a tale of two different halves.  This time around Team Bauer would jump out to a lead scoring 3 of the first 4 goals of the game, all scored by Jase Stanbrough (IA). I don't know what coach John Ingrum told his squad at half time, but it worked for sure, as they would come out looking like a totally different squad.  Reece Peterson (CO) would get things started immediately and this quick goal seemed to give his team life.  Brolen Kooker (IA) would answer right back however, but after that goal Colorado would start pouring it on. Daniel Macleish (CO) would complete a hat trick of his own, leading the "Rocky Mountain State" to a close 6-4 win.  Garrett Lindsey, Lukas Wild, and  Matt Hambrick would all make big plays in this come from behind win for Colorado.  Alexander Niederhauser (CO) would make big saves when needed, helping Colorado advance to the championship game.

The 2005 AA bronze medal game is a perfect example of what makes State Wars so amazing, as players from Southern California would be playing against a team made up of players from Wisconsin and Iowa. I am willing to bet that none of these players have ever crossed paths before, but it is great to see players meeting for the first time and getting to know one another on and off the rink.  Team Bauer would save their best game for their last as they would play a terrific game and take home their first ever State Wars medals with a 5-2 victory over Team Southern California (white).  Once again Jase Stanbrough (IA) and Hunter Shepherd (IA) would lead the way.  Leon Garrett (So Cal) and Darin Dorsett (So Cal) would score in the losing effort. 

The AA championship game in the 2005 division would see two terrific teams with great offenses meeting up, as Colorado would meet Illinois. Neither team disappointed the fans, as 16 goals would be scored in this game.  Illinois would lead at half by a 6-4 score, but the 2nd half would belong to Illinois. Matthew Mania (IL) must watch a lot of Patrick Kane back home, because he would look like him most of the game, scoring an incredible EIGHT goals and taking home MVP honors.  Illinois would capture the AA championship by a 11-5 score.  Garrett Lindsey (CO) would record a hat trick for Colorado but it wouldn't be enough on this day.     

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!