The Kaua’i Inline Hockey Club brought home two team titles at the USA Hockey Inline Regional Championships this year. The tournament, which was held on Maui from June 9-12, crowned Kauai’s Na Alakai (10-under) and the Bullfrogs (17-under) regional champs
The Kaua’i Inline Hockey Club brought home two team titles at the USA Hockey Inline Regional Championships this year.
The tournament, which was held on Maui from June 9-12, crowned Kauai’s Na Alakai (10-under) and the Bullfrogs (17-under) regional champs for their respective age divisions.
Na Koa Kauai (14-under) placed second in the tourney, and Holomua (12-under) reached the semi-finals.
Here are tourney recaps and for each Kaua’i team:
Na Alakai – 10 and under champions – This team dominated their division defeating Kona twice, 15-1 and 15-3, Maui by 11-3, and in the championship game, Mililani by 5-0.
The team was paced by Keala Davis with 8 goals and 8 assists, Ikaika Fuerte with 6 goals and 2 assists, Maegan Pablo with 4 goals and 6 assists, and Amanda Mayer with 4 goals and 5 assists. Kristen Hesse was outstanding in goal.
Holomua – 12 and under – This young team played very well in a 6-6 tie with Maui and a 3-3 tie with Oahu. In the playoffs, they defeated Maui in overtime 7-6 in one of the most exciting games of the tournament.
They then lost to eventual champion Kona 11-2.
The team was led by Noah Murray with 8 goals and 4 assists, and with Wren Perdue making some key saves in goal.
Na Koa Kauai – 14 and under runnerups – This team performed better than expected defeating Maui twice, 4-3 and 3-2, losing to Oahu 4-3, and to Mililani in the championship game, 6-0.
The Mililani team dominated the division, but Kauai held them in check for most of the game until they scored 5 of their 6 goals in the last 6 minutes. Goalie Ryan Swanson received many acolades as he recorded some spectacular saves.
Kauai Bullfrogs – 17 and under champions – Due to the pool play format, Kauai defeated Maui twice, 11-1 and 10-0, and Mililani 6-4, before outscoring defending champion, Mililani in the championship game in overtime, 4-3. Last year, Kauai lost in this division for the first time to Mililani, but exacted some revenge this year in winning back the title.
Eric Fujikawa led in scoring with 6 goals and 4 assists, along with Johnathan Anderson and Tyson Wakayama with 6 goals and 3 assists each, and Ryan Shimanuki with 5 goals and 4 assists. Team captain Derrick Laguatan provided excellent leadership and defense. Alohi Costa and Ian White were both outstanding in goal.