This last weekend, March 3rd-5th, was the Alsaka Heat 18u team's state tournament in Wasilla. The team has worked hard going to 2-hour practices 3-4 days a week. On Saturday at 2:00 p.m. was some of the players' last game with the Heat: Riley Young (Tok), Cody Charlie (Tok), Mason Copeland (Tok), Kean Frisbee (Healy), and Wyatt Juzack (Healy).
Unfortunately, the Alaska Heat did not have the best of luck in the hockey world. The first game was against the Avs, and the score was 4 (Avs) - 1 (Heat), the second game was against Juneau, and the score was 5 (Juneau) - 1 (Heat). Since the bracket was mixed up the Alaska Heat was put into a bracket with only three teams, so they played the Avs and Juneau again. The third game was then against the Avs, the score 2 (Avs) - 1 (Heat), the last game was against Juneau, 3 (Juneau) - 2 (Heat)
Tok's senior, Riley Young, answered questions about this season.
Q: What does it feel like to be "done" with hockey?
A: "It's a bittersweet sweet moment for sure but I have played for so long and had so many great memories that it was time for it to end."
Q: What are your thoughts on how the season went?
A: "The season was hard fought, even though we didn't do great it was a good run."
Q: If you could change one thing about this season or your hockey career, what would it be?
A: "If I was to change one thing it would be to take hockey further and try and make a career out of it."
Although this season is over for the seniors, the Alaska Heat still has many years for those who are willing to put in the work. The seniors' roles on the team will not be replaced; however, their loss will make more room for opportunity and growth. Those who have played alongside them throughout their career will have to fill in the hole they left. The team will miss these seniors who have put in countless hours to better not only themselves, but their teammates as well.
The hockey season is not completely over. The 16u Alaska Heat team will be heading to state the weekend of March 25th in Palmer. Wish them luck because if they win Jeffry Alsup will shave his head.