The Littleton Hawks 12U AA CSDHL team recently achieved a remarkable victory in the International Silver Stick Tournament, upon returning from Port Huron, Michigan. Demonstrating exceptional talent and determination, the team emerged victorious over five international opponents, ultimately clinching the championship with a 2-1 win against the Boulder Roughriders.
The triumph was a momentous occasion for the young athletes, with forward Tyler Smith expressing his excitement, stating, “It was awesome. I’m going to remember it.” Goalie Vito Giardino also acknowledged the significance of the win, describing it as “[It’s] probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” All-Star defenseman Brody “Goldilocks” Gold reflected on the nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience, emphasizing, “It’s an amazing moment. It’s surreal.”
Coach Kyle Hull was deeply moved by the emotional response from the players, stating, “Just seeing the happy tears from probably more than half the team, it just kind of hit me — this thing is really important for these guys. So from that standpoint, it was really special.” Goalie Adam Thompson attributed their success to the team’s perseverance, stating, “Everybody worked hard for it. I feel like our team really pushed through and worked hard to win the tournament.”
The exceptional performance of forward Gavin Patterson did not go unnoticed, as he was named an All-Star and earned the prestigious title of tournament MVP. However, Coach Gary TenEyck found true reward in witnessing the growth and development of the young athletes, marking a significant achievement in his coaching career.
Coach Gary expressed the emotional significance of the win, stating, “It’s emotional. You don’t have the opportunity to do this every year, and when you get a group like this and you can win, it’s very special.” As the team prepares for their upcoming league playoffs in Chicago, Coach Gary cherishes the close bond that the players share, acknowledging the transient nature of youth hockey.
Looking ahead, defenseman Gold remarked on the bittersweet realization that their time together as a team is limited, emphasizing, “We’re so close together, we’re all friends. Since we’re so close, it’s like we’re never going to be together again. It’s really tough.” Despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, Goldilocks, Coach Gary, and the rest of the Hawks are forever champions, their legacy secured by their remarkable achievement.