News

All Three of Our CCYHA Selects Teams Make Nationals

March 30th, 2018

We are proud to announce that for the first time ever, all three of our CCYHA Selects Hockey teams have made it to the 2018 National Championships! The USA Hockey-hosted tournament is set to take place April 5-10 and will feature the top Tier I youth hockey teams across the nation in the ultimate competition for the championship title.

The three teams are currently also ranked in the top 10 by MyHockey Rankings, with U15 currently listed at 4th, U16 now set at 9th, and U18 seeded 2nd. These rankings determine in which bracket each of our teams will play.

Read more below to hear from some of our coaches and student-athletes!

U15

Our CCYHA Selects U15 team will travel to and compete in Plymouth, Michigan.

Coach Scott Gainey says: “We are very excited and eager to compete in and for a National Championship; the boys have returned from break focused and recharged. Were looking forward to getting to Plymouth, Michigan.”

Right wing Jack Williams ’20 notes: “I think we are a tight group right now, between all the teams.” The team has not only been spending a good deal of time practicing, but has also been participating in powerful team building activities. Williams believes that the ability to play together, be in school together and live together “gives us an advantage.”

Center Victor Czernecki Anair ’20 agrees: “We build a bond in school with all the classes and I think that brings us closer together than some other teams that only see each other in practice and games.” He adds, “The past couple of days, practice has been going really well, so I think we will be able to have a jump into Nationals.”

Learn more and view the schedule online at:https://nationals.usahockey.com/page/show/3821272-2018-youth-tier-i-15-only.

U16

Our CCYHA Selects U16 team will play in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Coach Devin Rask says: “Excited to be heading back to Nationals; it is a special achievement only a few experience and the boys have earned it. We have a lot to play for and have big goals after just falling short last year. We are ready to go.”

Defenseman Hank McDonough ’20 states: “Right now I feel like our team is in a great position to bring home a National Championship back to our very own South Kent School. We have what it takes to win such a prestigious title like Nationals. Yes, we do have some of the most talented kids on our team, but in the end, the team who wins is the team that comes together as one to bring home a National Championship.” Still, McDonough is excited just to be part of the event. “This year I feel honored that not only our team, but all three teams have the opportunity to go to Nationals. It is a great feeling, but it is up to us to make it the best feeling by winning a National Championship.”

Center Josh Lawrence ’20 notes: “It's going to be fun competing with my brothers at Nationals in Philadelphia. The boys are very excited to go to Nationals but at the same time we are going there to win.”

Learn more and view the schedule online at:https://nationals.usahockey.com/page/show/3821277-2018-youth-tier-i-16u.

U18

Our CCYHA Selects U18 team will also play in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Coach Matt Plante says: "We are very excited that we received an at large invitation to this year's 18U National Tournament. Having an opportunity to compete in the National Tournament is one of our goals every year but especially with this year's 18U team. It was almost not a reality for us back in November but through their efforts, resolve, and perseverance of these 21 young men, THEY made it happen. This team has put together an excellent body of work so far this season and for that we are thrilled that we were rewarded with this opportunity to compete and keep our goal alive. This team has certainly earned and deserves this chance. I am very proud of this team and very excited for next week. The best is yet to come."

Defenseman Zac Jones ’18 comments: “We are going into Nationals hot right now. We just won the league, and have been on a roll ever since February. Everyone is excited for this opportunity and second chance. We wanted another chance to prove that we deserve to be there.”

Learn more and view the schedule online at:https://nationals.usahockey.com/page/show/3902893-2018-youth-tier-i-18u.

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