By @MichaelCaples –
The Oakland Jr. Grizzlies scored early and often Monday afternoon in Salt Lake City, en route to a national title.
With their 4-1 win over the Steel City Ice Renegades, the Grizzlies claimed the 2015 USA Hockey 14U Tier II 3A national title, emerging victorious from the tournament in Utah.
“Proud is an understatement,” Jr. Grizzlies head coach Jason Selleke said of his emotion after the game. “We had a target on our back all year due to winning states last year. Each and every game we had to be mentally ready because the other team was throwing their best at us.”
After playing to a 2-1 record in the round-robin start to the tournament, the Oakland squad beat the Delco Phantoms 6-3 in the quarterfinals early Sunday afternoon. They followed that up with a Sunday evening 3-1 win over the Chicago Blues to secure their spot in the title game.
The Grizzlies were able to represent Michigan on the national stage after defeating Grand Rapids 2-1 in Houghton for the MAHA state title.
Selleke said it was a “special locker room” camaraderie the team built this season.
“Each and every kid wanted the same thing and held others accountable to be their best each day. They were the tightest group of players off the ice I have ever seen.”
And it wasn’t just the players that were on the same page from day one.
“From the parent group to the players to the managers to the coaches, everyone was on the same page and when that happens it usually produces good results,” Selleke said.