Fraser completed its CAHA state championship sweep as their 10U Open team defeated the Hyland Hills Jaguars Black Squad 3-1 on Sunday, March 5 at Sport Stable West Rink. 

The win marks the third state title for Fraser this year. 

Both 14U and 12U had already captured their respective state crowns, leaving it up to the youngest team to close out the victorious weekend. 

“It was a lot of pressure,” Fraser coach Nick Waldow said about the final game. “I know that I felt the pressure.”

The Eagles, winners by an average of five goals in every tournament game leading up to the final, were confident heading into Sunday’s matchup. The Eagles also led the division in goals for, while simultaneously allowing the least number of goals against. 

Led by forward pair Kingston Lorch and Eamon Connery, who accounted for nearly 75% of the Hyland Hills points this tournament, the Jaguars lined up looking to spoil the Eagles' state championship hopes.

From the drop of the first puck, the Jaguars applied pressure by putting pads on pads and quickly establishing themselves as the more physical team. Multiple big hits from the Jaguars evoked rumblings from the crowd, especially when Eagles forward, and league leader in points, Josie Vella found herself on the ice after a big hit directly in front of the net.

But the Jaguars' aggressive gameplan was swiftly dissected by the speedy Eagles forwards, and in less than three minutes, Fraser forward Thor Waldow fired in a slap shot goal into the back of the net to open up the scoring for the Eagles.

“We always just remind them to play their game,” Waldow said. “Fast, hard, and good sportsmanship.”

Less than a minute later, Ever Purdy located an open Vella for an easy tap-in goal ensuring that all shots on goal were converted, putting the Eagles up 2-0 with 8:37 remaining in the first period. 

The second period was more of the same as it only took the Eagles just over a minute to score their third straight goal when a Dylan Cavera puck slipped through the legs of Jaguars’ goalie Neil Walsh to put the Eagles up 3-0. 

Frustrations continued to rise on the Jaguars' defense as Eagles forwards danced through the neutral zone untouched, outshooting the Jaguars 7-1 in the second period. 

Luck finally turned towards the Jaguars favor, capitalizing on a power play opportunity late in the second period. Lorch found the back of the net to ignite the Hyland Hills fanbase and notch what would be the final goal of the game as it entered the third period. 

Lorch’s goal added to his league-leading 14 on the season, rounding out a stellar season that saw him account for more than 50% of his team’s total points this season  

Vella, the only girl on both teams, finished with eight goals and eight assists for the Eagles, putting her at the top of the entire division with 16 total points. Fraser is also the only team in the 10U Open division to have two players with double-digit points. 

Fraser, which completed its trifecta of state championships, hopes this year’s success will one day field a high school team in the near future.