WAYNE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Through the first two games at the 2025 Chipotle-USA Hockey 16U Tier II National Championships, Christian Paz didn’t record a point for the Golden Wolves (FL).

In Sunday’s 3A title game against Ashburn Xtreme (VA), Paz ended up on the scoresheet on multiple occasions. 

With the Golden Wolves already leading 1-0, Paz scored a goal with 8:35 left in the second period. The goal came on the penalty kill and would turn the momentum of the entire game. 

When Ashburn Xtreme responded with a goal to cut their deficit in half, Paz lit the lamp once again to give the Golden Wolves a 3-1 lead. Paz’s pair of goals in the second period out his total to five in the tournament, tying him with Thomas Isbister for most on the team. 

Paz’s shorthanded goal proved to be the game winner, as the Golden Wolves prevailed 4-1 to take the 3A title. 

“It's funny because the first game of the tournament, he was very frustrated that he wasn't producing,” Golden Wolves head coach Franco Richter said of Paz. “But he had his best game when we needed him to have his best game”

Isbister had opened the scoring for the Golden Wolves, as he scored off a feed from Frederik Nielsen with 7:29 left in the first period. 

Once they were up 3-1 by the second intermission, the Golden Wolves took a defensive approach in the third period. They were able to hold Ashburn Xtreme scoreless throughout the entirety of the third, and Nielsen secured the win with an empty net goal.  

Golden Wolves goaltender Aiden Barraza faced 25 shots on goal, allowing only one to get behind him in the second period. His steadiness between the pipes helped lead Richter and his squad to success, both during the season and at nationals.

“He's been the anchor of our team all season long. He's been stellar all year,” Richter said. “Over 90 percent save percentage consistently. He’s just completely consistent and reliable.”

In three starts at nationals, Barraza boasted a save percentage of .966. Meanwhile, Charlie Volpe started two games and stopped 55 of the 56 shots he faced, good for a .982 save percentage.

This win means much more to Richter than just being handed a gold medal. He dedicated the victory to his late father who died a few weeks before the season started. Winning the 3A championship, Richter says, is the best feeling he has ever had.

“To see our dreams come true, and the vision that we had for this team and for each other, it's just incredible,” he said. 

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.