We are the Champions!!!!

Arctic Lions claim state title
by Bob Eley / beley@newsminer.com8 days ago | 10 views | 0 | 0 | |
Patty Linnell Photo The Fairbanks Arctic Lions celebrate after winning the Tier I Midget U16 state hockey championships Sunday afternoon in Anchorage.
slideshow FAIRBANKS - The Arctic Lions Tier I Midget U16 youth hockey team captured the state championship by winning four straight games last weekend in Anchorage.

The Arctic Lions went 3-0 in the roundrobin portion of the tournament. The Fairbanks all-star team went on to defeat the South Central Wolves 3-2 to claim the championship trophy and advance to the Pacific District Championships on March 18-21 in San Jose, Calif.

Players on the team are Sam Bratten, Dylan Canoy, Anders Carlson, Kaz Cizmowski, Brandon Edson, Logan Henne, Tyler Keturi, Taylor Laiti, Jared Linnell, Ian Morey, Tayler Munson, Hank Parra, John Teets, Logan Wendling, Stephon Williams, Zach Winner, Colton Wolter, Jacob Wolter and Justin Woods.

The squad is coached by Rob Proffitt, with Richard Mousseau serving as the assistant coach.

Williams was in goal for all four tournament games, making 81 saves and recording a shutout.

Colton Wolter scored twice and Linnell picked up a goal in the championship game against the South Central Wolves on Sunday afternoon in Anchorage. Munson assisted on all three goals, while Woods had two helpers and Linnell had one.

The round-robin portion of the tournament began Friday with a 9-0 victory against the Anchorage North Stars as Williams stopped 24 shots.

Linnell had four goals and Munson registered two. Canoy, Wendling and Jacob Wolter also had goals. Munson had two assists, while Jacob Wolter, Woods, Linnell, Keturi, Wendling and Colton Wolter had one apiece.

The second game Saturday morning was the most exciting as Linnell scored the game-winning goal with one second remaining in a 5-4 victory against the South Central Wolves.

Linnell and Parra each had two goals and Woods had one.

The final game Saturday night was a 9-1 win against the Alaska All-Stars.

Cizmowski lit the lamp four times and Linnell scored twice.

Henne, Bratten and Munson also scored goals. Woods had three assists, while Bratten, Munson and Colton Wolter had two apiece. Linnell, Laiti, Parra, Keturi andCanoy also had helpers.