Team coach ‘extremely proud’ of championship season
The Vancouver Junior Rangers took home the state championship this weekend, winning the 12U category in the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association.
According to the scoresheet on the league’s website, Neil Macuiba broke free for a short-handed goal in overtime, lifting the Rangers to a 5-4 victory over the Tri-Cities Jr. Americans in the tournament held in Tacoma. It was Macuiba’s second goal of the game.
Alexander Dunbar, Egor Kalambet, and Sean McIntyre also scored for the Junior Rangers. Efrem Manzhura had three assists, and Thomas Ogee III had two assists.
(Update: While the official tournament scoresheet has McIntyre with a goal, we have learned that it was actually a tip-in goal by Charlie Near.)
The Rangers took advantage of three power-play goals.
“We are extremely proud of the hard work and commitment these players have shown throughout the season,” said Tom Ogee, the team’s head coach and the Mountain View Skating Academy hockey director. “The skills and talent of this team are amazing. They have come to every practice and game with a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed this season. We are proud.”
Other players on the Rangers roster, according to the PNAHA scoresheet: Asher Henkel, Camden Freeman, Jax Johnson, Gianna Orizotti, Kyle Schierling, Ethan Smith, Anderson Carter, Jett Madden, Logan Whitmore, and Jakub Vlasak.
