Sun Valley Suns claim Idaho’s first-ever varsity level National Championship

MAPLE GROVE, Minnesota (KMVT/KSVT) — After successful numerous state championships, the Solar Valley Suns 18U boys hockey crew has a fair larger trophy.

On April 3, the Suns claimed the USA Hockey Youth Tier II 1A 18U Nationwide Championship in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

“First highschool crew ever in Idaho to win a nationwide championship and possibly the most effective groups to return out of Idaho,” stated Suns Head Coach Blake Jenson.

Jenson stated his squad went 52-6-2 this previous season, grabbing the group’s Tenth-straight state title earlier than successful all 5 video games on the nationwide championship event, together with a title recreation victory over a crew from Delaware.

“To have the ability to win the final recreation of my profession, which was the aim, it simply seems like we actually left a mark on what we’ve been doing and dealing for,” stated senior goalie Clayton Elsbree.

“Kind of doesn’t really feel actual, however I imply you come dwelling, and also you see your medal and your hat sitting in your bedside desk, and also you form of sit there and also you’re like, ‘wow’, it’s a fairly bizarre feeling,” stated junior ahead Dawson Speth.

Assistant Coach Chris Benson has been with this group of children since some have been 5 years previous. They’ve had their fair proportion of struggles, within the final two seasons, the crew misplaced within the quarterfinals of the identical event.

“They form of took it upon themselves to gel just a little extra and actually come collectively,” stated Benson.

One other massive a part of the Suns’ championship run was nice play within the third interval, outscoring their opponents 9-3. Working towards and taking part in in Hailey all 12 months, which is over a mile excessive in elevation, helps.

“We’d all the time get guys within the third interval as a result of they’re coming from Minnesota, New York, Chicago, which as you recognize these elevations are fairly low, it’s a indisputable fact that that helps,” Benson stated.

Nevertheless they bought the trophy, this group leaves a legacy different youngsters can look as much as.

“We are going to all the time come again to this city and all the time have one particular bond, that I don’t suppose some other seniors or groups can have,” stated senior captain and heart Zach Benson.

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