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Tier I Elite Playoffs Come To Close

By Peter Odney, 02/19/18, 3:45PM CST

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Victory Honda took the 14U title, while the North Jersey Avalanche claimed the 16U crown in Blaine.


Victory Honda celebrates after converting a penalty shot late in Monday's win.

16U: North Jersey Avalanche 6, Colorado Thunderbirds 0

Like their namesake, the North Jersey Avalanche showed the ability to simply engulf opponents. 

Not with snow, but with speed and tenacity, eventually wearing down the opposing team. 

The Avalanche cruised to a 6-0 victory over a talented Colorado Thunderbirds' squad on Monday morning in Blaine, claiming the 16U Division Governor's Cup in the process. 

A four-goal second period propelled the Avalanche to victory, with Michael Posma, Alex Gaffnet, Christian Sarlo, and John Lundy all tallying goals in the second frame. Sarlo started the scoring with a goal for the Avalanche in the first, and Posma added his second in the third to help ice the win for North Jersey.

The Thunderbirds earned their spot in the finals after a thrilling win over the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, ranked No. 1 in the United States by MyHockeyRankings, 1-0 in overtime on Sunday.  


Christian Sarlo scored two goals for the North Jersey Avalanche on Monday.

14U: Victory Honda 3, St. Louis AAA Blues 1

A penalty-shot conversion by Connor Miller cemented the win for Victory Honda in the finals of the 14U Division, making the score 3-1 in favor of VH and squelching a comeback attempt by the St. Louis AAA Blues. 

While Miller's goal extended the Victory Honda lead, the play of Connor Smith made the difference in the win. Smith scored the eventual game-winner with a rocket on the power play, and turned into a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive end. 

John-Paul Steele scored the first goal for Victory Honda, while Ashton Rivers scored the lone goal of the game for the Blues. 


Connor Smith stood out on both ends of the rink for Victory Honda on Monday.

Players to Watch

Connor Smith, Victory Honda 14U

A physical presence in both the offensive and defensive zones, Smith also scored in Monday's win. 

Kenny Riddett, North Jersey Avalanche 16U

Relentless on the forecheck, Riddett is one of several Avalanche players who have the ability to force turnovers with their speed. 

Christian Sarlo, North Jersey Avalanche 16U

Sarlo scored twice on Monday, showing a good nose for the net and a quick release on a few bang-bang plays. 

Nicholas Babbie, Victory Honda 14U

Babbie has a nice shot, and consistently follows his shot to the net for rebounds. Assisted on VH's first goal of Monday's win. 

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