Hockey Wraps With Play in Higher Division

The Copper River Hockey 12U team recently wrapped up a competitive season on the ice.  The team began practicing with dryland (indoor) training in October and hit the rink when ice was ready in mid November.  They proceeded to defend their championship at the 36th annual Turkeyshoot Tournament over Thanksgiving weekend in Anchorage.  

Competing at the B level the team dropped the first game on a last second goal.  The Marten responded with five consecutive wins, avenging the opening one goal loss to the Anchorage Rams by defeating them 10-4 for the tournament title.  For the tournament, Marten outscored opponents 45 to 18 while beating teams from Anchorage, Kenai, Wasilla, and Kodiak.

After the tournament the team and parents came together and made the decision to move up a level of play to the 12A division. This was a significant choice given half of the team members are 10 years or younger, however to field a team solely comprised of Copper River athletes the kids took on the challenge of playing against opponents two and three years older.  The team played competitive hockey the rest of the year going seven and nine at the A level with wins against Kenai, Fairbanks, Homer, and South Anchorage.

We would like to thank everyone involved with the Copper River Hockey program.  Without hundreds of hours of volunteer service these opportunities for area youth would not be possible.  The 12UA Marten would also like to thank generous donors that have helped with our success over the season.  These businesses include Wengers Store, Tazlina Trading Post, Glennallen Fuel, Valdez United Way, Copper Valley Electric, Glennallen IGA,  Glennallen Towing,  The Hub, American Legion, Copper Basin Lions Club, Glennallen Storage, Dana and Brenda Becker, Carol Neeley, Cruz Construction, AK Aggregate, and the numerous families throughout the Copper Basin that sponsor our athletes from annual Skate-A-Thon.  We appreciate all of you!