The Brookings Rangers have once again emerged triumphant at the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association’s varsity boys state championship, securing their fourth consecutive title in a thrilling match against second-seeded Rushmore. Amidst a roaring crowd, Jacob Kahle’s decisive goal just 2 1/2 minutes into the overtime period sealed the Rangers’ exhilarating 2-1 victory. Owen Schneider and Luke Honkomp played pivotal roles in the winning goal, with Kahle also finding the back of the net in the second period. Notably, Addison Ronning’s exceptional performance in goal, stopping 31 shots, was instrumental to the team’s success.
Despite finishing 0-2 in the SDAHA varsity boys state tournament, the Watertown Lakers’ standout defenseman, Austin McBride, received notable accolades for his outstanding contributions. McBride earned a well-deserved spot on the All-State Boys Hockey Team and was recognised by the prestigious Hobey Baker Character Award for his commendable character, commitment, persistence, selflessness, academic excellence, and sportsmanship. Furthermore, other outstanding Lakers players, including Jake Bramer, Hudson Hendricks, Gabriel Holien, and Gunner Van Gilder, were honoured as Academic All-State honourees, reflecting their remarkable achievements both on and off the ice.
In addition to their athletic accomplishments, Hendricks and Holien from the Watertown Lakers were the recipients of the 2023-24 South Dakota Hockey scholarships, underscoring their commitment to excellence in both athletic and academic pursuits.
The state tournament witnessed a spirited battle for third place, with the resilient Oahe clinching a hard-fought victory over Sioux Falls West with a 5-4 scoreline. Additionally, Sioux Falls East delivered a commanding performance in their matchup against Mitchell, securing a decisive 10-2 victory and claiming the consolation championship.
The All-State Boys Hockey Team, which recognises exemplary talent, featured noteworthy players such as forwards Owen Schneider of Brookings, Colton Merchen, and Cameron Ritter of Rushmore, defensemen Wyatt Reeder of Rushmore, Luke Honkomp of Brookings, and goalie Egan Jensen of Brookings. Notably, Garrett Gerstner, the esteemed coach of the state-champion Brookings, was honoured with the SDAHA Coach of the Year award for his exceptional leadership and strategic prowess.
In addition to celebrating athletic achievements, the SDAHA also recognised the academic accomplishments of several commendable student-athletes through the Academic All-State awards, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both athletic and academic pursuits.
The inaugural varsity girls hockey championship saw the second-seeded Aberdeen emerging victorious against the top-seeded Sioux Falls in a tightly contested encounter, highlighting the remarkable growth and development of the sport in the state.
The recipients of the esteemed S.D. Hockey Scholarships and additional accolades underscore the multifaceted accomplishments of these exceptional individuals, reflecting their dedication to achieving excellence both on and off the rink. Their indomitable spirit and commitment serve as a testament to the values of sportsmanship, leadership, and academic excellence that lie at the heart of the hockey community.
As the exhilarating season draws to a close, the accomplishments of these remarkable student-athletes stand as a shining testament to their unwavering determination and outstanding sportsmanship. Their commitment to excellence, both on and off the ice, serves as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring young athletes and a source of immense pride for their community.