SLPYHA & Coon Rapids / Centennial Co-Op Partners Bring Home a Weekend of Hardware!

Spring Lake Park, MN — December 8, 2025

It was a banner weekend for SLPYHA and their local youth hockey co-op partners Coon Rapids and Centennial, as five different teams returned from their respective tournaments with medals, trophies, and an abundance of pride. From late-game heroics, to stonewall goaltending and defense, and high-flying offense, each squad delivered performances that showcased the strength and spirit of our local youth hockey community.

SLPCR Bantam A – 2nd Place at Thief River Falls Tournament

The SLPCR Bantam A team kicked off the weekend of success with an outstanding run to the championship game in Thief River Falls. Battling through tough competition, they ultimately earned second place, falling only to the hometown Thief River Falls Bantam A, a team ranked #6 in the state.

The Bantams produced several unforgettable moments. Andrew Harb delivered a clutch game-winning goal in the final minutes of pool play, securing a key victory that fueled their momentum. In net, Chase Schoeman put on a remarkable performance—facing 62 shots and stopping 55 — to help push SLPCR into the championship game. From start to finish, every player contributed to a tenacious, cohesive effort that set the tone for the entire organization’s big weekend.

SLPCR Peewee B2–Blue – 3rd Place in Hutchinson

The SLPCR Peewee B2–Blue team—known proudly by their self-chosen name Spring Rapids—had an equally impressive showing at Hutchinson’s Bar Down in H-Town Tournament, earning a strong 3rd-place finish.

Led by head coach, and former SLP High School captain, Kelsey Johnson, the team went 2–1 in pool play. After a tough Friday opener against MN River, Spring Rapids stormed back with two dominant wins on Saturday over St. Mary’s and Hutchinson. Their grit earned them a spot in the 3rd-place game against Sartell.

That final matchup was tense from puck drop to the third period, with the teams locked in a 1–1 battle going into the final period. But Spring Rapids came alive when it mattered most, unleashing three third-period goals to seal a commanding 4–1 victory and take home the tournament’s 3rd-place plaque.

SLP Squirt C – 2nd Place in a Winona Shootout Thriller

The SLP Squirt C team put on one of the most dominant pool-play performances imaginable—going 3–0 while their goalie duo of Finn Wurzer and Mackenzie Cowman combined for three consecutive shutouts! Meanwhile, the SLP offensive and defensive skaters exploded for 16 goals and allowing zero in return.

This dominance punched their ticket to the championship game against a formidable Waukesha squad. In what became the most intense game of their season, both teams traded goals throughout regulation, ending tied 3–3. After a scoreless overtime, the title came down to a shootout. Waukesha edged out SLP 2–1, handing them their first loss of the season.

Despite the heartbreak, the Squirt C team skated away with a well-earned second-place finish, showcasing heart, resiliency, and outstanding teamwork.

CSLP 10U A Girls – 3rd Place at SKATE 218 Tournament

The CSLP 10U A girls turned in an impressive weekend at the SKATE 218 Girls tournament in Moorhead, MN, showing grit and growth against tough competition. They opened with a strong defensive stand against Wayzata, holding a 0-0 tie until the third period before falling late—a marked improvement from their previous matchup. The team bounced back with a solid 4-2 win over Moorhead, then edged out Fargo in a tense 2-1 battle. In a rematch with Fargo to determine who gets to move onto the championship, CSLP fought hard, ultimately finishing with a well-earned third place trophy!

Off the ice, the girls enjoyed a memorable team weekend. From pizza dinners to hotel fun in Fargo, ND, the team bonded over plenty of pool time—complete with a waterslide! It was a weekend filled with teamwork, determination, and smiles, highlighting both their competitive spirit and their growing camaraderie.

CSLP 10U B2 Girls – 3rd Place at the Battle By The River

Rounding out the weekend, the CSLP 10U B2 girls delivered a gritty and dramatic performance at the Battle By The River tournament in Sartell, finishing 3rd place while going undefeated (2-0-2).

Anchored by exceptional defense and goaltending, the team allowed just three total goals across four games. Their never-quit mentality earned them the nickname “The Cardiac Kids” as the girls scored game-tying or game-winning goals in the final minute of three different games. Their endurance, determination, and late-game heroics made them one of the most thrilling teams to watch all weekend.

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A Weekend to Remember

From Bantams to Squirts to the rising stars of the girls’ program, all of these squads displayed skill, toughness, teamwork, and team pride in every rink they stepped into.

**Congratulations to all FIVE teams** — SLPCR Bantam A, SLPCR Peewee B2–Blue, SLP Squirt C, CSLP 10U A, and CSLP 10U B2—on their incredible performances and well-earned hardware. The entire association, families, and community are immensely proud of your dedication and accomplishments this weekend. Keep the momentum rolling players!

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• Easy Money: Forget flipping burgers. You’ll earn some cool cash while staying involved in the game you love. As one former youth referee, now a college student, once said, "The cash I made reffing Mite games was my first real taste of financial freedom. It was a game-changer. Almost as big as that time I saw a Mite score on the wrong net."

• A "High-Pressure" Job: We know what you're thinking: the pressure must be insane. But don't worry, the biggest threat is usually a lost glove or a player banging their stick on the glass to see if mom is watching. It's a low-stress environment where you get to guide the next generation of hockey stars.

• The Best Fans: Mite parents are a different breed. Instead of shouting obscenities, they’re usually yelling things like, "Great effort, sweetie!" ; "Other net! Other net!" ; or "Are you having fun?!". It’s a guaranteed ego boost, even if it’s not directed at you.

• Stay active: You get paid to skate around, burn off that post-game pizza, and generally move more than you would while playing on the couch.