2024-25 SCAHA Champions
The Santa Barbara Ice Hawks 14U-A hockey team captured the Southern California Amateur Hockey Association Championship last weekend.
With the victory, the Ice Hawks punched their ticket to the State Championships next weekend at the Sharks Ice in San Jose.
“It’s been a great season for us,” Santa Barbara head coach Bryce Wendel said. “The players have worked so hard, and their dedication is what got them here. We’ve had our ups and downs, but this victory shows how much they’ve grown both as players and as a team.
“We’re excited for the next challenge at state and can’t wait to represent Santa Barbara on that level.”
The Ice Hawks took down their rival Bakersfield Condors by a score of 5-0 in the title game. The Santa Barbara goals came courtesy of a hat trick from Easton Petersen and a pair of scores by AJ Sweet.
Goalie Andre La Barge anchored a strong Ice Hawk defensive effort throughout the tournament as well.
“We’re incredibly proud of these kids,” Santa Barbara team manager Melissa Petersen said. “Not only have they shown amazing skill on the ice, but they’ve also demonstrated great sportsmanship and camaraderie. The Ice Hawks are more than just a team – they’re a family.”
The Ice Hawks are scheduled to play their first game of the State Championships on Friday at 10:45 a.m.
“We’ve got a great group of kids, and we know what we’re capable of,” Wendel said. “We’re taking it one game at a time, and our focus is on playing the best hockey we can. We’ve got the skills, and we’ve got the heart. We’re ready to make our mark at state.”
For updates on the team’s progress at the State Championships, follow the Santa Barbara Ice Hawks on social media @sb_icehawks_official or visit their official website www.sbicehawks.com.
The team consists of Joseph Vaccaro, Easton Petersen, James Lawson, Andre La Barge, Lorenzo Swiatek, Ryan Bohnsack, Lou Wendel, Charlie Lovette, Sadie Zubek, Gavin Fernandez, Tyler Annett, Brandon Kim and AJ Sweet.
The team is coached by Bryce Wendel, Eric Valois, Adam Sweet and Mark Annett.