Manitowoc Youth Hockey’s 10U Squirt A and Squirt B teams will both be competing for a state championship this weekend, the Pewee teams will have to wait a week.
The 12U Peewee B team had a challenging path to the tournament in Reedsburg/Wisconsin Dells.
They were able to capitalize in overtime against Marinette in the playdowns, winning 7-6 in the extra frame before eking out a 4-3 win over Waupaca.
Coach Don Seiler tells SeehaferNews.com that the Waupaca game could have ended differently, but they were able to hold on for the win.
“They kind of faced a flurry of shots and held off all these shots and held on for the win was incredibly rewarding,” he said. “I’m very proud of all of them.”
Seiler also noted how well this team was able to rebound from last season.
“The team last year didn’t win any games at all,” he explained. “So coming off what… anyone would call a low point last year and to see that core group just making it to state this year is an incredible turnaround. I couldn’t be happier for all the kids involved.”
William Loppnow scored the game winner in the overtime game, which he said was against a team they had battled hard against all season.
“That’s a team that we have a pretty good history with the season,” he explained. “So I’ve kind of had a countable record and we’re leading it. So beating them again was definitely nice.”
Nathan Ullman is a jack of all trades, as he has played nearly every position on the ice.
He had a mix of emotions during the playdowns.
“I wasn’t expecting to win that fast and overtime,” he admitted. “(I was) confused, but like happy.”
The Breakers squad earned the 5th seed in the tournament and will face Hayward on March 8th.
Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
They will then face either Shawano or Marshfield in the winners’ bracket at 6:30 p.m. or the consolation bracket at 5:00 p.m.
The championship game will be held March 9th at the Reedsburg Community Area at 1:15 p.m.
