This weekend, sticks, pucks, and tempered glass provided a temporary reprieve for members of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas hockey team, made up of students who had to endure the horrific mass shooting that occurred at the school on Valentine's Day this year. 

Less than a month removed from the massacre that killed 17 of their classmates and injured 17 more, the Eagles took the ice in Plymouth for the USA Hockey National High School Tournament, the culmination of an inspired run through the Lightning High School Hockey League playoffs, as the Eagles knocked off Tampa Jesuit 7-4 in the state finals. 

Donning a set of donated state champion jackets, the Eagles boarded the Florida Panthers' chartered jet bound for Plymouth and found a home in the Wayzata High School varsity locker room, where the team settled in for the next four days. 

Though Stoneman Douglas went 1-2 in their three games at the Plymouth Ice Center, the experience took on a whole new meaning,  as the Eagles met with Dr. Carlton Kenkins, the Robbinsdale Schools Superintendent, led the Xcel Energy Crowd in the "Let's Play Hockey" chant, and made the trip to the Mall of America. 

In between those activities were the bonds created between the teams, with Edina Junior Gold presenting the Eagles with jerseys, as did the Santa Margarita (CA) squad, which gifted the team an Anaheim Ducks jersey and stick, both autographed by former NHL star Teemu Selanne. 

The Eagles polished off the weekend with a 3-2 overtime win over Lake Central (IN), and graciously thanked their hosts and fellow teams for their hospitality in a Facebook post; 

"We came to Minnesota to play hockey and met the most incredibly supportive people who have showered us with love and kindness.  Our Stoneman Douglas hockey family will  forever be grateful for the warm welcome we have received."