STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — Tier I champions were crowned in all four age levels at OBM Arena this past weekend in the USA Hockey Mid-American District Tournament. The champions will now look ahead to the Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships. Pittsburgh, Pa. will host the Tier I 14U championships from April 4-8. The 15-year-olds will play in Plymouth, Mich. while Grand Rapids, Mich. will host the 16U and 18U championships, all from April 3-8.
Pittsburgh Penguins Elite dominate in 16U:
After outscoring their opponents 23-3 during the MidAm District Tournament, the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 16U team earned their way to the national tournament.
Carter Schade and Luka Sukovic each notched a pair of goals in the title game against the Ohio Blue Jackets.
Alexander Servagno amassed eight points over the weekend via seven goals and one assist. Included among Servagno’s tallies was a hat trick in their opening game of the tournament.
Penguins go undefeated at 15 Only
The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15 Only team also won a MidAM District title over the weekend.
After completing round-robin action undefeated, the Penguins finished the weekend with a 2-0 victory against the Ohio Blue Jackets.
Netting goals in the championship tilt for Pittsburgh were Ryan Walker and Justin Gibson.
Throughout the weekend, Teddy Sawyer, Ty Voit and Tyler Mahoney each earned a pair of goals and an assist, while Mitch Simmons, Michael Hurst and Tanner Mahoney each had a goal and two assists.
Pittsburgh completes hat trick of district titles at 14U
Adding to the trend in Pittsburgh, the Penguins Elite 14U Tier I team also captured a title and will enjoy playing in the 2019 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships in their home town.
It was an all-Pittsburgh showdown as Penguins Elite defeated Pittsburgh Penguins Black 3-1 in the final game after winning all three of their preliminary contests.
Penguins Elite’s Connor Chi earned seven points on five goals and a pair of assists during the weekend and Evan Konyen tallied six points via four goals and two assists. Lucas Ross chipped in for five points with four goals and a helper.
Esmark Stars win hard-earned title at 18U
Surviving four one-goal games, including three that went to shootout or overtime, the Esmark Stars spoiled the Penguins’ attempt at a district sweep. Goalie Parker Rey stopped 40 of 41 shots in the title game as Esmark won in overtime.
2019 USA Hockey Mid-American District Youth Tier I Tournament Champions
14U: Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
15 Only: Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
16U: Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
18U: Esmark Stars
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
Chipotle is the title sponsor of the 2019 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships.
2019 Tournament News
Massachusetts District Notebook: Ethan Gardula’s Three Hat Tricks Among Standout 14U Performances
- By Ken Castro 03/11/2020, 8:00am MDT
Mid-American District Girls’ Notebook: Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Sweep Tier I
- By Jim Smith 03/10/2020, 5:00pm MDT
Nashville Jr. Predators Earn Redemption with Win in 18U Southeastern District Title Game
- By Alex Abrams 03/10/2020, 3:00pm MDT
Michigan District Girls Notebook: Belle Tire Sweeps All Tier I Championships
- By Carl Chimenti 03/10/2020, 12:30pm MDT
Youth Tier II 14U Notebook: Evenly Matched Teams Leads to Tight 1A Final
- By Sarah Avampato 04/12/2019, 2:30pm MDT