Ice Hawks win 12-U B state championship

The Ice Hawks won the 12-U B state championship with a 2-1 win over the Mount Pleasant Patriots on April 25 in Burton. Members of the team are, in front, from left, Reese Laitila, Carson “Charlie” Costantini, Matthew Swenski and Casey Clisch; in back are head coach Mike Hedtke, Ryan Turpeinen, Dylan Bowser, Tanner Nordstrom, Dominick Brunswick, Steven Solberg, Carson Sanregret, Aidyn Zimmerman and assistant coach Nate Turpeinen. (submitted photo)
IRON RIVER — The Ice Hawks captured the 12-U B state championship with a 2-1 win over the Mount Pleasant Patriots on April 25 in Burton.
    The Ice Hawks took a 2-0 lead into the third period of the final, but saw that advantage cut in half just three minutes into the final period. But the Ice Hawks held from there and left with the trophy.
    The Ice Hawks began their road to the championship with a 7-4 victory over the previously undefeated Tawas Blackhawks. The Ice Hawks moved on to beat the Wyandotte Warriors 6-1 before edging the Holland Ice Dogs 3-2.
    In the semifinal, the Ice Hawks routed the Troy Ducks 7-1.
    The tournament was held over three days.
    The Ice Hawks finished their impressive season with a 34-6 record.
    “The players and coaches are grateful for the community support they have received throughout their season and the playoffs,” said Stephanie Swenski.