Rochester, Mich. – The 2021 Chipotle-USA Hockey 16U National Championship ended with the North Jersey Avalanche hoisting the championship trophy after defeating the Colorado Thunderbirds, 5-1. The Avalanche were the team to beat throughout the tournament and proved their prowess in the final game.
But, oh, how close Sioux Falls was to knocking off the eventual champions in the quarterfinal game. They tied the game at five before giving up the game-winner late in the third period. Jordan Gibbs, and a few of his current 18U Power teammates, were on that team.
“We went in as the underdog, but we believed that we could compete with everyone there,” said Gibbs, a defenseman. “That last game we had some bad bounces, we came close within a goal there. All the guys in that room believed in ourselves and we made a good shot at winning that game.”
It was a somber end to the season for the Power, but it did add some extra motivation for Gibbs heading into his 18U season. Despite the Power beginning the 2022 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championship with two tough losses, Gibbs is enjoying his second Nationals experience.
“Last year was just a different feel because the tournament was pushed back a month. It felt like we were climbing and climbing and then had to wait. This year, it was a month earlier and all the guys were just ready to go. We were just waiting for the chance to compete.”
Along with Gibbs were a few of his 16U teammates moving up the ranks. Gibbs has enjoyed playing with his teammates and friends and enjoying these two experiences together.
“Last year, we all got really close and all got along great,” said Gibbs. “It’s really nice to be on a team with them and just playing together.”
In his second Nationals experience, Gibbs noted that the skill level is very high at both the 16U and 18U levels.
“There are all really good players at each level. You have to work harder at this level, I think.”
It is always fun to reflect on the past and the future. Gibbs was able to do both when thinking about his time as a youth hockey player. In what could be his final Nationals, he noted how he got into the sport.
“I was about three years old. I went to daycare and all the kids in daycare liked hockey,” recalled Gibbs. “They all played hockey with mini sticks, and we all played mini sticks in the basement. I decided that I was going to join in, and that’s where it started.”
From three years old to 18U, Gibbs still enjoys playing and wants to continue to play for as long as possible. Of course, the final game of Nationals is still on top of his mind but he is still thinking about his goals beyond the weekend.
“My goal ultimately is to play Division I hockey,” said Gibbs. “I’m hoping to play in the USHL or NAHL in the future and then go play D1. That would be great.”
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