 | | 2012 Tryouts | | The 2012 tryout dates and locations are starting to be announced. Make sure you check out the TRYOUTS section at www.statewarshockey.com |
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State Wars Continues to Grow in Youngest Divisions
18 teams participate in 8under divisions
The 2002 division would feature 11 teams at State Wars this summer, which overall meant that 18 teams participated in the 8under divisions in Cincinnati. WOW. This is something that we at the State Wars Hockey HQ are very happy and excited about...seeing more and more young players lacing up their skates and getting to the best event of the year. California, Colorado, Michigan (two teams), Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Team Mission (mixed players from different states) would all make up this incredible and very competitive division.
All teams would play four round robin games with the top 4 teams advancing to the AAA playoffs and the next 7 teams advancing to the AA playoffs. This would work out perfect as the top four seeded teams would all be equal in talent and have a true shot at the AAA crown.
It was great to see many states field 2002 teams for the first time ever, California, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio. Also Team Mission had some great players from states that were new to this division as well, hopefully they can go out and get more interest in their home state and field their own state team this upcoming year, namely Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee. In the past both Illinois and Florida have been able to field teams for this division so we hope to see them back in 2012 as well. Our goal is to continue to build this division and a big shout out goes to all of those who were a big part of insuring that your home state was represented in this division, thank you for your support! To call the out by name (please don't be offended if I forget someone)... Nabeel Gerges, Eric Somoza, Pam Faas, Mike Gipson, Amy Lane, John Gelement, Bill Miller, Evil Covacha, Judy Wright, Rob Ferrara, Brook Culleton, Mike Ault, Melanie Ault, Frank Lynch, Anthony Violante, Jason Muro, AnnMarie DellaMorte, Bob Robinson, Wray Dybal, Dawn Dybal, Kevin Stewart, Jamie DiDomenico, Mike Casey, John Gattone, and Christine D'Elia. Whether you were a coach, team manager, or just a promoter of the division...THANK YOU!
There are the makings of some AMAZING rivalries in this division and we look forward to watching these little guys and gals improve and learn the game more and more. Please help spread the word about your tryouts next year!
FACEBOOK UPDATE
Many people are waiting to become "friends" of State Wars Hockey on Facebook. Unfortunately Facebook limits us to 5000 friends, which we had almost instantly. Because of this we cannot accept anymore "friends" on our page for the time being. So please look to join our Facebook FAN PAGE, there you will get all of the same Facebook updates! Pass the word on.... Thanks!
All photos courtesy of BC Photo
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Hard Work Pays Dividends for Pennsylvania
Team Pennsylvania finally captures the 2002 AAA crown!
Working hard to achieve ones goals is something that is taught from a very young age and the Pennsylvania '02s are definitely learning important life lessons early on by their parents and coaches. Pennsylvania known for its hard work mentality proved once again why they have one of the most talented states in roller hockey. The 2002 PA team had struggled the last two years at State Wars, with a bronze medal finish in 2009 and coming up empty last year. This year would be a different story. One of the key ingredients for Pennsylvania was standout Shane Albert, who clearly is one of the best in North America. Prior to the event, Pennsylvania co-State Director Jamie DiDomenico stated "Albert will be one of the top players in the nation and he makes us instant contenders to win it all." Well Jamie was correct, as Albert not only played great all tournament but also took home the "Tour Hockey MVP award".
After cruising through the large 11 team division, Pennsylvania would meet a tough opponent In Michigan. Michigan had already won the AAA title in 2009 and 2010 and were hungry for a 3peat. With players like Courtney Hall, Dominic James, Ryan Beck and Bryce Livesey wearing the Michigan crest, there was no reason not to think that the path to the title would have to come through Michigan. The other semi final would match up a very strong Missouri team against an extremely talented North Carolina squad. "What I was so impressed with in this division was the goal tending, there is no surprise that the top 4 teams in this division all have the top goalies...Christian Hartner, Blake Harper, Tristan Miller, and Justin Silluzio are all incredible and a big part of their teams success" said National Director Pete Messina.
North Carolina's Ethan Chipping, Zack Robinson, Ethan Aponte and Michael Vick are all top players in the state who proved to be big game players. "The moment I saw these players at tryouts I knew that they would be a true contender at State Wars 7" said National Director Greg Thompson. The Missouri team would be their equal, led by Brett Robinson, Tyler Culleton and Nick Niemeier. The divisions Most Valuable Goaltender, Blake Harper would show why he was selected by our staff for this award as he continued to turn away great scoring chances by North Carolina. As if it was scripted, of course this game went to overtime and it took until mid way through the first over time for North Carolina's Zack Robinson to score the game winner and send his squad and state to the AAA finals!
The Pennsylvania - Michigan match was like one of two heavyweight prize fighter's meeting. Over the years I have seen many examples where the semi final actually becomes a tougher battle than the championship game and this held true in this case. The Pennsylvania team was just stacked from top to bottom, at any moment any one of these great players showed why they would become the eventual 2002 champs of the world. Shane Albert, Samuel Lipkin, Frank Jirak, Tristan D'Elia, Alex Gattone, Nicky Pozzoulo, James DiDomenico, Chris Blango, and Christian Hartner would complete the roster. It also helps when you have one of the top coaches in the sport (in my opinion) Mike Casey at the helm. Pennsylvania would take down Michigan 5-3 in a close game and move on to North Carolina.
The AAA final would be all Pennsylvania as North Carolina definitely looked a bit winded after their earlier battle with Missouri and I am sure they look forward to a rematch with the champs. Shane Albert would win MVP honors. Behind a two point effort by Christopher Dundas, Michigan would win the bronze medal game 4-2 over Missouri
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California Dreamin'
Team California takes home the 2002 AA title
The AA playoff bracket would begin with 7, with New York holding the #1 seed and a first round bye into the semi's. California would take down Team Mission 11-3, Colorado would squeak by Michigan II by a 5-3 score and New Jersey would dominate a young Ohio team 9-1. Getting down to the top 4 would feature four equal teams and it was apparent that any of them could defeat the other. One of the crazy factors in a single elimination tournament such as State Wars is that we are talking about young kids and game to game, shift to shift, you don't know what you are going to get. Who is in a bad mood? Who didn't like their cereal in the morning? Who went to bed too late or spent too much time in the pool? All of these things become factors and turn coaches hair gray even quicker.
An east coast match up would start the semi's off in style, as New York would meet their Garden State neighbors, New Jersey. The first half would be ALL New York as they would score all three goals of the half, with Jack Barone scoring the first two, followed by one from Mitchell Luppens. AJ Matlack would get New Jersey on the board, only to be answered pretty quickly by who else but Barone. New Jersey would settle down in the second half and score two more times, by Dylan Koski and Brendon Ault, cutting the lead to 4-3. Unfortunately for New Jersey that score would hold up to the final buzzer. Both net minder, Kevin Lanning (NY) and Matthew Lynch (NJ) would play awesome on both ends.
The other AA semi final was more about the other side of the country as Colorado would square off against California. This game wouldn't feature as many shots as the other but there was definitely plenty of action, as both teams could fly up and down the floor. Clay Bozanich would get Cali on the board first, followed by teammate Ean Somoza. Colorado's Cole Killiger would cut the score in half, ending the half down 2-1. Blake Hogen would tie the game up at two early in the 2nd half. This game would remain tied for much of the second half, as both teams would play solid defense and get good goal tending. California would come out on top however, as Bozanich and Somoza would combine for two more goals.
After it was all said and done, the 2002 AA playoffs were just as exciting as the rest. When it came down to the championship game, it would be the old East vs. West battle with New York battling California. Nabeel Gerges would man the bench for the young and speedy California team while New York's Jason Muro and Anthony Violante would take the helm on the New York side.
Both sides came out strong and had chances early.The goaltenders in the championship game both stood on their head. Fussaro and Lanning both got tested early in the game. However, Ean Somoza (CA) would be the true difference maker in the game where he would be dominate on both ends of the floor. Somoza's teammates, Clay Bozanich and Rylan Goodwin would also help out in a huge way and contribute with a bunch of points. Justin McCormick (NY) played an amazing role in the success of Team New York where he had 12 points in round robin play. McCormick had a great supporting cast around him though! Players like David Walsh and Tyler Bischoff put tons of points on the board as well.
California would take home all the bragging rights in this contest, winning 6-3. For many of these players it would be their second chance to raise the State Wars cup that day, as much of the 2003 team would be a part of this championship as well! Goaltender Nick Fussaro would be named the "Tour Hockey MVP" of the championship game!
Colorado would bring some bronze back to the "Rocky Mountain State" defeating New Jersey 4-2.
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2002 Individual Award Winners
Simply the Best of the Best
Warrior Hockey High Scorer
Ean Somoza (CA)
Warrior Best Defensive Player
Dominic James (MI)
Messier Leadership Award
Ethan Chipping (NC)
Goalie Monkey MVG
Blake Harper (MO)
Great Skate Top Sniper
Abby Munger (FL)
Great Skate Fastest Skater
Dominic James (MI)
Great Skate Top Goalie
Tristan Miller (MI)
Tour Hockey AAA MVP
Shane Albert (PA)
Tour Hockey AA MVP
Nicholas Fussaro (CA)
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2011 State Wars Sponsors
Support those that Support the Sport!
Mission Hockey
Tour Hockey
Warrior Hockey
Alkali
Labeda
Revision
Messier Project & Cascade
Great Skate
Goalie Monkey
Projoy
Hockey Star
Rocket Puck
Phat Tape
Blade Tape
Twig Magic |
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