Backed by a strong defensive effort, the Juneau Capitals earned a silver medal last weekend in the state tournament for players ages 10 and under at the Menard Center in Wasilla.
The Capitals posted a 4-2 record, losing 1-0 to an Anchorage team they defeated in the mid-season tournament two months ago.
Getting to the championship and claiming the silver medal required winning four straight, avenging an opening loss, clutch defensive play and some timely goals.
“We knew we had kids who could play hockey and we knew we had kids who enjoy the game,” said Jason Kohlhase, one of four coaches who guided the team in Wasilla. “What we didn’t know was if we had kids who could step up and compete at the next level.
“To have that question answered right before us was validation that these kids are legitimate hockey players who can compete.”
Juneau opened the tournament Friday with a 2-0 loss to the Scott Gomez Foundation, while outshooting its opponent, 18-16.
The Capitals came back by defeating the Junior Avalanche 5-1 on two goals from Antone Araujo, including the game winner.
On Saturday, the Capitals opened with a 6-0 victory over the Anchorage Comets on a pair of three-goal performances by Araujo and Jaxson White.
Needing a win to advance to the tournament semifinals, Juneau overcame a 1-0 deficit to post a 2-1 victory over the Palmer Moose Flyers. Defenseman Stien Dostal took a breakaway pass down the middle before firing a shot to tie the game. Almost six minutes later, Sonny Monsef put Juneau ahead for good.
On Sunday, the Capitals had some of the tournament’s most formidable goaltending from Florian Wade, who stopped all 27 Gomez shots.
In the title game against the Anchorage Gross team, the teams played to a scoreless tie until five minutes remained.
After the tournament, Kohlhase put the team’s accomplishment in context.
“They are the real deal,” he said. “They love the game of hockey. As a coach, to watch it unfold in front of you, is truly inspiring and endearing.”
