Youth hockey team finishes 2nd

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

By Ben Cannon

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Before the Team USA squared off against Canada in the climactic end to the Winter Olympics Sunday, a little hockey drama had already unfolded in the ice rink here in Jackson Hole.

The tournament to crown the state champion youth hockey team for the bantam level was held at Snow King over the weekend, and underdog Jackson pulled a few surprises.

On Saturday, Jackson’s ‘bantams’ –the youth hockey team comprised of middle school-age players– knocked out Gillette 5-1. Gillette had been the top-seeded team going into the tournament, according to Jackson Youth Hockey president Steve Schultz.

That win put the team into the championship against powerhouse Casper Sunday morning. Jackson started the final game strong, scoring the first two goals, but Casper would go on to win 8-6 on an empty net goal.
“It was a great hockey game,” Schultz said.

The Bantam team is made up of players from both Jackson and Pinedale because neither communtiy has enough players to put a full team on the ice. Schutlz said the shortage is due to an attrition of player numbers that begins around middle school. At that age, many kids begin to lose interest or focus on other activities. Parent fatigue from traveling to away games and cost are also factors, Schultz said.
To mitigate costs, Jackson Youth Hockey now allows players to rent equipment for the season at a fraction of the cost of buying.

To raise money for community hockey programs, including the Jackson Hole Moose, a weekend of fundraisers begins Thursday with a player reception at Spring Creek Ranch ($25). On Friday, the Moose will face off against a team of former NHL players ($10), and will conclude on Saturday with a “Nashville Unplugged” party at Spring Creek ($150). Go to www.OnIceWeekend.com for more. JHW


PERMALINK:
Youth hockey team finishes 2nd | Planet JH News Article: Sports & Recreation

Leave a Comment