Just like the U.S Olympic team in London…Michigan takes home plenty of Gold at State Wars 8!!

State Wars 8 was held in St.Louis, Missouri from August 1st through the 12th and several Michigan teams came home with the Gold in some very tough divisions. In all, the Michigan contingency came home with 13 medals including 8 Gold, 3 Silver, and 2 Bronze. Here are some brief recaps of some of our Gold medal achievements.
In the 2002 division once the divisions were broken down into AAA and AA it would be Max Savel, Bryce Livesy, and Noah Woods that would lead the way in the playoffs as they cruised to lopsided wins over both Missouri in the semi and Kansas in the final.
The ever competitive 2001 AAA division saw our Michigan team go up against a strong Colorado team for the championship. Team MI would take the game by a 7-4 score led by goalie Joey Henson who helped his team overcome five penalties. It was a balanced attack and while Brendan Walk chipped in 2 goals along with Garrett Rutt and the silent leader Evan Gietzen, had a goal and three assists and was awarded MVP of the contest.
The 2000 A/AA team from Michigan had their way in the single A round robin so they were moved up to AA for the playoffs to face off against the lower level AAA teams. It would not make a difference however, as the youngsters would roll through the playoffs in convincing fashion led by the trio of Calen Kiefiuk, Grant Burkhardt, and Bryce Kallen who amassed 36 points combined in those three wins. The last win was a 5-3 win over Team Illinois.
The next Gold for Michigan would come in the 1997 AAA division where Michigan would down the heavily favored Colorado team who won it all last year in the semi final and then would hold on to beat the local favorites from Missouri in the championship in a 6-5 thriller. Team MI was led all week by Joey Savel and Garrett Hall who were both named to Team North America. In the final Savel would pitch in another goal while Hall chipped in with two helpers. Alec Badour and Lewis Stockwell each netted two goals apiece in the final. Stockwell would be named MVP. Jacob Lawson was stellar in net for Team MI.
The 1996 AAA division saw Michigan head to State Wars with perhaps its’ strongest chance at a Gold medal. These guys did not disappoint either as they held off Florida in the quarterfinals and Missouri in the semi’s both by scores of just 3-2. Jacob Turowski would notch the hat trick in the final helping his team down Ontario 5-2. Michael Houle, who led the division in scoring would record two assists in the final as well. Aaron Mizgalski, Michigan goaltender, would give up just six goals in three playoff games.
Yet another Gold medal fell on to Michigans’ lap in the Junior AA division. With Daivid Bayer between the pipes and the likes of Brandon Hawkins, Corey Hodge, Sam Nixdorf, and Robert Berman the team would rarely be tested.until the final; as they ousted Missouri by a 4-3 score. The above four each recorded a goal in the final with Berman getting the game winner. Adam Swims, Tyler True, Andrew Kattula, and Mark Albo rounded out the squad.
Senior A pitted two Michigan teams in the final as team captains Tyler True of the MI Mighty Ducks and Mike Farinelli of the MI Little Caesars’ matched wits in the “Who can do the best impression of Kenny Holland contest.” In the end, it was Farinelli’s Little Caesars’ team led by Brian Pawlicki in net and Ryan Fantene and Nick Smolinski up front that came out on top by a 7-5 margin. Danny Edwards and Philip Dipascale had 2 goals apiece while Fantene had a goal and 4 assists in the ‘ship.
As with the US Womens’ team in the Olympic games in London the Michigan Women would not be denied Gold either. Michigan was led by Geena Prough throughout the tournament who amassed 9 points during the round robin. Team MI would get sweet revenge by beating Missouri I in their semi final 3-1. They had beat Michigan in the round robin earlier. Then they would face Colorado in the final and hold on for a 3-2 victory. Juli Bradford, Brittany Zeches, and Allison Malty scored for Team MI. Goaltender Maria Barlow played spectacular in net all weekend.
Michigan also won Silver medals in the 1999 AAA, 1995 A, and Senior A divisions. The two Bronze medals were won by the depleted Junior AAA team who had a tough semi final loss at the hands of Colorado and our 1996 A/AA team. They took Bronze in the 1996 AA division.
All in all it was a great event this year at State Wars held at a facility that is second to none. The Rec Plex in St.Peters was a great venue and rumor has it that State Wars may be returning there again but you never know. I would highly recommend for any avid roller hockey player to make sure to get in shape for their tryouts next year so that they don’t miss out on this event again. Whether it is back in St.Louis or ends up somewhere else I know I for one will not miss State Wars 9.
All the stats, rosters, and blogs for State Wars can be found at http://www.statewarshockey.com.
Don’t forget that the LCRH at the Fieldhouse is getting ready to start up its’ Fall leagues. Go to http://www.LCRH.info for more information.