{"id":9154,"date":"2024-08-12T16:05:59","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T21:05:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/?page_id=9154"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T16:29:00","slug":"metros-2023-24-usa-hockey-national-champions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/?page_id=9154","title":{"rendered":"Metros 2 2017-18 USA Hockey National Champions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" <\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"
\n<\/span>Home of the two-time USA Hockey National Champions <\/span><\/strong><\/span>Sioux City Metros<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span>\"\" \"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0USA Hockey 2018 High School Hockey National Championships
\n<\/strong>Plymouth, MN \/ March 22nd-26th, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n

A collection of Championship teams from all over the country converge in Plymouth, MN to compete for the High School National
\nChampionship. The tournament is held in the Plymouth Ice Center; a three sheet facility that boasts sixteen locker rooms, meeting
\nrooms and concession area. It is a collaborative public-private endeavor\u00a0 between the Wayzata School District, Providence Academy,
\nLife Time Fitness and the State of Minnesota.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

USA Hockey 2018 High School Hockey National Champions<\/span>
\nSioux City Metros
\n<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

USA Hockey 2018 National Tournament Top Scorers<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Three Metros finish among the tournaments top ten scorers<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Jam<\/span>es Page\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Chase Lewison\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Drake Beller
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\"\" \"\" \"\"
\nJust like the regular season, all three Metros prove they are consistant scorers in this national Championship tournament.
\n<\/span>James Page<\/strong> leads the Metros in scoring, and finishes among the tournament’s top three scorers; recording five goals and
\nfour assists. Chase Lewison<\/strong> scors all three goals in the win over the Newark Generals and adds two additional tallies for
\nfive tournament goals. The Midwest League’s top scorer Blake Beller<\/strong> records three red-lighters and a pair of helpers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Between The Pipes<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nJunior goaltender Blake Beller<\/strong> would carry the mail this season for the Metros. Backstopping the Metros to both regular
\nseason and post-season Championships. He would record a league leading twenty-five regular season wins and five shut-outs.
\nHe would grab three more wins, including another shut-out helping the Metros to their seventh League Championship.<\/span>\"\"\u00a0\"\"
\nThis week would be a busy one for Blake. He would see time in all six National Championship games; including a
\nvictoious double-header on Saturday against Billings and Newark. With the exception of one bad afternoon, <\/span><\/span> he never
\nsurendered more than three goals in a game, and held his opponets to one-goal games three times.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Assistant Coach\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Head Coach\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Assistant Coach
\nJesse Monell\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Dave LeGree\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Dale Feriches<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Insert Photos Here\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Insert Photos Here<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n


\n2018 USA Hockey Division II (Combined) Participants<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/b>Tournament teams are divided into two different classifications. Division I or Pure Teams are teams drawing from one
\nspecific school district. Division II or Combined\/Blended Teams are organizations that will draw players from multiple
\nschool districts or surrounding towns. As both Midwest League regular season and post season\u00a0Champions, the Metros
\narrive ready to represent the state of Iowa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Divided into four different pools, each team plays their opponents once. Only the first two teams advance to Sunday’s
\ndouble-header play-off round; pitting the winner of one pool taking on the second place finisher of a different pool. Later that
\nday, the winners of both contests play for an opportunity to advance to the National Championship game the following day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pool-USA<\/strong>
\nPlano West Wolves (Texas) * St. Johns Bosco Braves (California) * Kings Park\/Commack Kingsmen (New York)
\nOmaha Jr. Lancers (Nebraska)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Pool-NHL<\/strong>
\nMonarch Coyotes (Colorado) * Sioux City Metros (Iowa)<\/strong> * Manatee Admirals (Florida) * Newark Generals (Ohio)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pool-Olympic
\n<\/span><\/strong>Oldham County (Kentucky) * Salt Lake Stars (Utah)\u00a0 * Gillette Wild (Wyoming) * NW Arkansas Razorbacks (Arkansas)
\nPool-Liberty<\/strong>
\nBillings Bulls (Montana) * Greenville G-Force (South Carolina) * Wichita Jr. Thunder (Kansas)
\nLas Vegas Jr. Golden Knights (Nevada)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nUSA Hockey National Tournament Game 1<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>Thursday, March 22nd
\n<\/b><\/span>\"\"<\/span>Sioux City (Iowa) Metros vs. Manatee (Florida) Admirals\"\"<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>Sioux City Metros<\/b><\/span>
\nWho They Are:\u00a0<\/b>The Metros are members of the twelve team Midwest High School Hockey League. The League features
\ncombined high school teams teams from Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri. Located in Sioux City, Iowa. The Metros draw from a
\nsurrounding area of approximately 85,000 residents.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How they Got There:\u00a0<\/b>The Metros would dominate the Midwest League this season posting a 25-3 record and capturing
\nthe League’s regular season championship. The Metros would enter the League\/State Tournament, eventually defeating high
\nschool teams from Waterloo, Des Moines and Mason City, winning their seventh overall League\/State Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

How’d They Do:\u00a0<\/b>The Tournament’s combined high school division was divided into two pools with the Metros drawing
\nentry to the second pool. They are considered the long shot team in their pool. The Metros start out with a victory over
\nManatee Florida Admirals. The following day the Metros, take a severe beating form the Monarch Colorado Coyotes.
\nHowever, the Metros are able to rebound with wins against the Newark Generals, Plano Wolves and the Billings Bulls
\nsending them to the National Championship game<\/span><\/p>\n

Manatee Admirals<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nWho They Are:\u00a0<\/b>Manatee Admirals (Division 2-Combined) Located in Florida, Manatee county is just south of Tampa
\nBay. The Admirals draw from players located inside this county that boasts a population of over 350,000 residents. They
\nare members of the Lightning High School Hockey League located in the Tampa Bay area. The league is a\u00a0division of
\nthe Statewide Armature Hockey of\u00a0 Florida\u00a0(SAHOF) Association.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How Did They Get There:<\/b>\u00a0They would win their chance to advance to the USA Hockey National Tournament with a
\n4-1 <\/span>win over the\u00a0Miami-Dade Alliance. Along the way, Manatee out-scored their opponents 39-7 handing out a pair
\nof double-<\/span>digit beatings and two\u00a0blankings on the way to their State Championship victory. Admirals’ Peter Morgan
\nwould lead the <\/span>tournament scoring 18 goals and 22 points and Goaltender Tyler Moschella recorded a pair of shut-outs
\nand a <\/span>State Tournament record setting\u00a0.43\u00a0(GAA) goals against average over the five game tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

How’d They Do:\u00a0<\/b>They would grab just a single win this weekend, defeating the Newark Generals 5-3. However, 6-1
\nand 5-3 losses to Colorado Monarch and eventual National Champions, the Sioux City Metros, end the Admirals
\nhopes for a tournament championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 – Metros vs. Manatee Admirals -3<\/b><\/span>
\nGame One \/ March 22nd<\/span>
\nThe Metros open the tournament with an early morning start on rink B, against the Manatee Admirals. The Admirals
\nstrike first <\/span>mid-period, when Peter Morgan gets the first goal of the game. Metros Drake Beller<\/strong> would answer back
\nminutes later on a <\/span>feed from James Page<\/strong>.\u00a0The first period ends tied at one a piece.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In the second, again it’s the Admirals with the first goal of the period. It takes the Metros a while, but with just under four<\/span>
\n\u00a0minutes in the period, Drake Beller<\/strong> strikes again on another assist from James Page<\/strong> tieing the game at two each. With two
\nminutes <\/span>remaining,\u00a0brother Max Beller,<\/strong> lights the lamp giving the Metros the lead for the first time 3-2.
\n<\/span><\/span>James Page\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span> \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/b>Drake Beller<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong>\"\" \"\"
\nLeft: James <\/b><\/strong>Page records <\/strong>assists on both of the Metros first goals and grabs one of his own; the final tally in
\nthis Metros win. Right: Drake Beller<\/strong> notches two important goals in this opening round game; twice tying the
\ngame before the Metros could eventually grab the lead and an eventual victory. He would also add an assist on
\nthe game’s final tally as the Metros grab this first round 5-3 win.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sioux City would score two more times in the third\u00a0on\u00a0twi<\/span>ne-ticklers<\/i>\u00a0from Cale Bricker<\/strong> and this time its Drake
\nBeller <\/strong>returning the favor, <\/span>setting up James Page<\/strong> up for the final goal of the game\u00a0 Manatee slips a third goal past
\nBlake Beller, bolstering their spirits; but they can’t get <\/span>anything going and the Metros win the opener 5-3. James Page
\nand Drake Beller each record three points and Blake Beller <\/strong><\/span>turns away twenty-four Manatee shots.
\n<\/span><\/span>Cale Bricker\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Blake Beller
\n<\/span><\/strong>\"\" \"\"
\nLeft: <\/b>Sophmore Cale Bricker <\/b>give the Metros a one goal lead scoring early in the third period.\u00a0 Right: Blake
\nBeller <\/b>gets some pressure from the Manatee Captain Patrick Kenefick; he would lead the Admirals in scoring this
\n<\/span>weekend; recording four goals & two assists.\u00a0 However, His goal and assist were not enough in this contest, as the
\nMetros go on to stop <\/span>the Admirals 5-3. Blake would stop twenty-four Admiral shots on goal, helping the Metros
\ncapture their first <\/span>ever USA Hockey National Tournament Victory.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Grant Newman\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Walt\u00a0 Werden<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>\"\" \"\"
\nHigh scoring Senior defenceman Grant Newman<\/strong><\/b> and Walter Werden<\/strong> form the cornerstone of this stalwart Metros
\ndefensive corps this season. Walt would record four goals and twenty-seven assists during the regular season. His thirty-one
\npoints leads all team defenceman in scoring and is the overall fourth highest scorer. Grant rounds out the top five Metro
\nscorers; grabbing five goals and nineteen helpers. He would also notch a red-lighter in the win over Billings in game three.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

USA Hockey National Tournament Game 2<\/span>
\n<\/b>Friday, March 23rd
\n<\/b>\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Sioux City (Iowa) Metros vs. <\/b>Monarch (Colorado) Coyotes\"\"
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>Monarch Coyotes<\/span><\/b>
\nWho They Are: BHC (Boulder Hockey Club) Monarch Coyotes\u00a0<\/b>(Division 2-Combined) Based out of Louisville,
\nColorado located just north of Denver they draw players from the Boulder area boasting a population of nearly 400,000.
\nThey are members of the Foothills Conference; a division of the Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) .<\/span><\/p>\n

How They Got There:<\/b>\u00a0The Coyotes would make the State Tournament’s final four, but the tournament favorite is<\/span>
\nknocked-out by eventual State Champions Valor Christian. Coyote Forwards Leo Felt, Connor Akerson and goalie<\/span>
\nReese Kelly all selections to the Foothills Conference’s First Team. Felt and Akerson are State wide Honorable
\nMentions, <\/span>as is defenseman Yunta Young.<\/span><\/p>\n

How’d They Do:<\/b>\u00a0Monarch entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win and they lived up to the billing. Out
\nscoring their first three opponents, Newark, Sioux City & Manatee 21-3. The tournament looked to be a lock for the
\nplayers from the Rocky Mountain State. However, in Sundays’ double header, the two teams from South Carolina and
\nCalifornia made them work a little harder for those final two wins; still boasting a 5-0 record they advanced to the title game.<\/span><\/p>\n

1-Metros vs. Monarch Coyotes<\/b><\/span>-8<\/b><\/span>
\nGame Two \/ March 23rd
\n<\/b>On a full days rest, the Metros prepare to take on the pool’s favorite, the Monarch Coyotes from Colorado. Both teams<\/span>
\nare fresh off opening day wins; the Coyotes beating the Newark\u00a0Ohio Generals 7-1 and the Metros win over the Admirals.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Just over two minutes into the game, Colorado scores first, but the Metros answer quickly on a goal from James Page<\/strong>.<\/span>
\nWith the game tied, the Coyotes begin to intimidate the Metros; unleashing their huge in stature and well experienced line-up.<\/span>
\nColorado takes four penalties, and still manages to score two more goals in the first period for a 3-1 lead.
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>After that, it’s all Colorado. Sioux City takes three penalties in the second period and the Coyotes answer with two regular<\/span>
\nstrength goals, a power play and a\u00a0shortie, giving them a 7-1 lead after two.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colorado eventually takes their foot off the gas in the third, as the worn-out Metros can’t mount any type of response.<\/span>
\nThe Coyotes score just one time in the third, giving the Metros their first lose and a discouraging 1-1 record.<\/span><\/p>\n

National Tourname<\/span>nt Player Recap<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Reece McDonald\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Kolten Kane<\/strong><\/span>
\n\"\" \u00a0\"\"
\nLeft:<\/strong> Junior Reece McDonald<\/strong> finishes among the Metros top seven scorers during the regular season notching eight goals and<\/span>
\nseven helpers.\u00a0 He would record a goal and an assist this National Championship run. Right:<\/strong> Just a freshman this season,<\/span>
\nKolton Kane <\/strong>also finishes the regular season with fifteen points and grabs a goal and a pair of assists this championship week.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

National Tournament Player Recap
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>James Page\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Alec Neiman<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong>\"\" \"\"
\nLeft:<\/strong> Captain James Page<\/strong> would finish as the Midwest League’s second highest scorer; grabbing thirty-one goals and<\/span>
\ntwenty-seven assists, he did lead the league with eleven game winning goals. James would also lead the Metros in scoring<\/span>
\nthis championship week; recording five red-lighters and four helpers.\u00a0 \u00a0Right:\u00a0<\/strong>Junior Alec Nieman<\/strong> is another part of<\/span>
\nthe impressive Metros defensive corps. Recording three assists during the regular season, Alec came-up big when he<\/span>
\nscored the over-time goal in the Plano game, sending the Metros to the championship game.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

USA Hockey National Tournament Game 3
\n<\/b>Saturday, March 24th
\n<\/b><\/span>\"\"<\/span><\/span>Sioux City (Iowa) Metros vs. Newark (Ohio) Generals \"\"<\/b>
\n<\/b>Newark Generals<\/b><\/span>
\nWho They Are:<\/b>\u00a0<\/b>Newark Generals (Division 2-Combined)\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0Members of the Ohio Scholastic Hockey League (OSHL)
\nsix-team division is populated with teams in and surrounding the Columbus, Ohio area. This area is the state’s third most
\npopulated metro region with nearly 2 million residents. They are a division of the Ohio High School Athletic Association.<\/span><\/p>\n

How They Got There:\u00a0<\/b>The Generals played\u00a0 thirty-eight game regular season games in addition to six more in the
\nstatewide <\/span>CBJ Tournament and five for in the Buckeye Cup State Tournament. They would finish first in their six-team
\ndivision <\/span>with twenty wins, a single loss and three ties. Thirteen points ahead of the league’s runner-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

How’d They Do:\u00a0<\/b>The Generals started the tournament out on a bad foot when they take a beating from one of the<\/span>
\npool’s favorites, the Monarch Coyotes, in a 7-1 loss. They played the Florida Admirals close, but fell short in a second<\/span>
\n5-3 loss. Game three was more of the same, giving up three goals and only solving\u00a0Sioux City net minder Blake<\/span>
\nBeller once, they headed back home with no wins.<\/span><\/p>\n

3-Metros vs. Newark Generals<\/b><\/span>-1<\/b><\/span>
\nGame Three \/ March 24th
\nDay three pits the Metros against the Newark Generals. The Generals have had a rough start thus far; taking an
\nopening game beating by the Monarch Coyotes 7-1 and losing a thriller to the Manatee Admirals 5-3. Both teams
\nenter the game facing tournament elimination. It will be the first of many must-win situations for the Metros<\/span><\/p>\n

The game stays deadlocked until mid-period when the Generals get on the board first. However, on the very next
\nplay<\/span>\u00a0Chase Lewison<\/strong> finds the back of the net, tieing the game and swinging the momentum Sioux City’s way.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The second period is another a physical one, with both teams seeing significant time in the box. This is the perfect<\/span>
\natmosphere for grinder Chase Lewison<\/strong> and he scores again, on assists\u00a0from James Page<\/strong> and Reece McDonald<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Metros ratchet-up the contact this final period, drawing five penalties compared to Newark’s three. The game
\nremains tied until four minutes in to the last period, it’s Chase Lewison<\/strong> with his third goal of the game, finding
\nthe net on a feed from Max Beller<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The penalties continue to mount throughout the third, but Sioux City remains perfect on the penalty kill, denying the<\/span>
\nGenerals on every power play opportunity. By the time the final horn sounds; Chase Lewison has a Hat Trick, the<\/span>
\nMetros have an important win and most importantly…Blake Beller is back!!!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chase Lewison\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grant Newman
\n\u00a0\u00a0
\n<\/b><\/span>Left: Chase Lewison<\/b>\u00a0scores all three Metros goals in this win over the entry from Ohio. He ties the game in the first on<\/span>
\nan unassisted goal at 10:30. He get the game winner in the second period with assists from James Page and Reece McDonald.<\/span>
\nChase’s third goal comes from a\u00a0 feed from Metros leading scorer Blake Beller.\u00a0Right: Grant Newman<\/b>\u00a0leads the defensive<\/span>
\ncorps in this third round victory limiting the Generals to just a single goal in the first period.<\/span><\/p>\n

National Tournament Player Recap
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Max Beller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Easton Ransford<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0
\n<\/b><\/span>Left:<\/strong>\u00a0Junior\u00a0Max Beller<\/strong>\u00a0played a big part in the Metros successful defensive corps known for limiting the number of shots
\nmaking <\/span>it to the net. Max would play the role as the Team’s\u00a0Heavy Hitter\u00a0<\/i>leading the Metros in penalties during the regular
\nseason. D<\/span>uring tournament time, he played his usual physical game but limited his time <\/span>in the box to just a single minor over
\nthe six tournament games.\u00a0Right:\u00a0<\/strong>Freshman Easton Ransford’s<\/strong> goal, to just crack the varsity <\/span>line-up, was far surpassed
\nwhen he ended-up becoming a varsity regular, playing in all twenty-eight games, three MHSHL Championship games <\/span>and
\nfive of six games played in the USA Hockey National Championship tournament.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

National Tournament Player Recap
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>Connor Sand\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Drake Beller<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>\u00a0
\nLeft:<\/strong> Metros top-three scorer and Senior Connor Sand<\/strong> finishes the regular season with thirteen goals and twenty
\nassists, <\/span>including three game winners. However, there were none more important than his game winner in the Billings
\ngame, sending <\/span>the Metros to the semi-finals and a chance at a national championship. Right:<\/strong> Midwest League top
\nscorer Drake Beller <\/strong>records <\/span>twenty-six goals & forty-three assists, for a league leading sixty-nine points. He would
\ngrab three goals this week, including <\/span>the championship game winning goal against the Monarch Coyotes,
\nand a pair of assists.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

USA Hockey National Tournament Game 4
\n<\/span><\/b>Sunday, March 25th<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>\"\"Sioux City (Iowa) Metros vs. Billings (Montana) Bulls\"\"
\n<\/span><\/b>Billings Bulls<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nWho They Are:\u00a0<\/b>Billings Bulls (Division 2-Combined) Members of the Montana Armature Hockey Association
\n(MAHA) The Bulls draw players from the greater Billings metro area representing a population of 170,000 people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How they Got There:\u00a0<\/b>The Billings Bulls would cap-off a dominant high school hockey season finishing the season<\/span>
\nwith a 25-0 record against their instate rivals. They out-score their opponents 218-21; they place seven players<\/span>
\namong the league’s top ten scores, six of them average over two points per game and both goalies surrender less<\/span>
\nthan a goal a game. They would make quick work of the State Tournament competition winning all three games<\/span>
\nand advancing to the National Tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0How’d They Do:<\/b>\u00a0Billings would start the tournament with a 7-3 win over the entry from Kansas, the Wichita Jr.
\nThunder. Game two was another victory for the Bulls, beating the Greenville, South Carolina team 4-3. Saturday
\nthe Bulls took on the Las Vegas Jr. Golden Knights; lighting the\u00a0lamp repeatedly in a 9-1 win.\u00a0Entering their next
\ngame against the underdog Metros…they like their chances<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>5-Metros vs. Billings Bulls<\/span><\/b><\/span>-1<\/b><\/span>
\nGame Four \/ March 25th
\nAs the tournament builds, the games all become must-win situations, as any loss sends the loser packing. Today’s Double
\nHeader puts the Metros up against the Billings Bulls; fresh off a perfect season; winning both the regular season and Montana
\nState Championship. They out scored their opponents 218 to 21 during the regular season and played a goalie who gave up
\nless than a goal per game. The Bulls are also one of the\u00a0leaders in pool play, having beat Wichita 7-3, Greenville 4-3
\nand Las Vegas 9-1.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sioux City breaks their streak of giving up the first goal of the game,\u00a0when Chase Lewison<\/strong> continues his scoring blitz, capitalizing<\/span>
\non a Bulls penalty he gives the Metros an early lead. The second period is a back and forth affair with neither team finding the net.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, just a 1:29 into the third period, Connor Sand<\/strong> scores, giving the Metros the lead and the momentum. Six minutes
\nlater James Page<\/strong> lights the lamp and the Metros are up 3-1. The Bulls are down, but not out – until Grant Newman<\/strong> and
\nTaylor Frerichs<\/strong> put the remaining nails in the Bulls coffin. Billings slips one past Blake Beller with less than two minutes left,
\nruining the\u00a0shut-out but giving the Metros another win over a favored team.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chase Lewison\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Connor Sand<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nLeft: Chase Lewison<\/b>\u00a0continues his scoring streak, fresh off a prior game hat trick, he gets the Metros on the board first,
\nscoring at 10:24 of the first period on a pair of assists from Reece McDonald and Grant Newman.\u00a0Right: Connor Sand
\n<\/b>records the game winner;\u00a0this third period shot that gets past goaltender Cole Curry and puts the Metros ahead 2-0.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walter Werden\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Easton Ransford\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Drake Beller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Blake Beller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grant Newman<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nOne thing is for sure on this Metros team – there was always help in front of the net. Scores and grinders alike all made
\nit back to lend to the defense a helping hand. In the form of thoroughly covered attackers and multiple blocked shots-putting
\nshots on goal was a chore for most opponents. If and when those shots got through, the Midwest League’s best goaltender
\nwas able to stop all but a few of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Did You Know…<\/b>By the time the National Championship Tournament wrapped-up, Blake Beller has posted a total season
\nrecord of 33 wins and only 4 losses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blake Beller\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kolton Kane<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nLeft: Blake Beller<\/b>\u00a0plays perfect hockey stopping almost every Billings shot on goal and successfully turning back six
\nfor their power play opportunities. With just a minute and a half remaining in the game, the Bulls slip one passed Blake
\nruining his bid for his first tournament shut-out.\u00a0Right: Kolto<\/span>n Kane<\/b>\u00a0picks up an assist on the the Metros third goal of
\nthe game, putting them ahead 3-0.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cale Bricker\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tyler Ownby\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Drake Beller
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nLeft: Cale Bricker<\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0Tyler Ownby<\/b>\u00a0move up ice with a Billings defender close on their heels. Tyler would grab an assist on<\/span>
\n\u00a0the final Metros goal by Taylor Frerichs.\u00a0Right: Drake Beller<\/b>\u00a0brings the puck into the Bulls attacking zone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0James Page\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Kolton Kane\u00a0\u00a0 James Page\u00a0\u00a0 Alec Neiman<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nLeft: James Page<\/b>\u00a0beats a pair of defenders, shoots and scores on Billings goaltender Cole Curry. The goal puts the Metros on
\ntop, with just a half of period\u00a0 remaining.\u00a0Right:<\/b>\u00a0Kolton Kane<\/b>\u00a0picks-up the assist and he, James and Alec Neiman celebrate
\na commanding 3-0 Metros lead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grant Newman\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Taylor Frerichs<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0
\nWhile a 3-0 lead is not insurmountable, the Bulls remain hopeful, until at the ten minute mark when sophomore
\nTaylor Frerichs <\/b>scores and dampens any hopes of a Bulls rally. Thirty-nine seconds later,\u00a0Grant Newman<\/b>\u00a0hammers
\nthe puck in the net and the final nail in the Bulls coffin. The Metros win 5-1, defeat another favored team and stay
\nalive to play again.<\/span><\/p>\n

USA Hockey National Tournament Game 5
\n<\/b>Sunday, March 25th<\/span>
\n<\/b>\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/span>Sioux City (Iowa) Metros vs. Plano-West (Texas) Wolves\"\"
\n<\/b><\/span>Plano-West Wolves<\/b><\/span>
\nWho They Are:\u00a0<\/b>Plano West Wolves are Members of the Texas Armature Hockey Association High School Blended
\nDivision. Located in northern Texas, Plano West is a hockey club drawing from the greater Plano area, measuring
\nsome 300,000 plus residents.<\/span><\/p>\n

How they Got There:\u00a0<\/b>The Texas State Tournament is a round robin format of the state’s remaining best four teams.
\nPlano west earns wins\u00a0in all three games games beating McKinney, Frisco and Keller hockey clubs. They defeat The Frisco
\nHockey Association 2-1 in the State Championship game and advance to the National Championship tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n

How’d They Do:\u00a0<\/b>The Wolves are another team that starts the tournament with regular wins, but\u00a0 who’s hopes are
\ndashed by the eventual tournament champs. Representing the state of Nebraska, the Omaha Lancers are no match for the
\nWolves and fall 4-2. The team from New York, Kings Park plays them a bit closer but the Texans come out on top again 2-1.
\nSt. John Bosco is next on the schedule, this game\u00a0takes extra time, but the results are the same, a Plano West victory.
\nSunday’s double header starts off easy with the\u00a0Wolves scoring at will and beating the Gillette (Wyoming) Wild 6-0.
\nHowever, it is the Sioux City Metros playing the role as spoiler again, when the Metros score in overtime and send the
\nWolves home with their tail between their legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

2-Metros vs. Plano-West Wolves-1<\/b><\/span>
\nGame Five \/ March 25th
\nSunday’s second game of the day sees the Metros enter the contest as underdogs again; facing one of the best teams
\nin Texas and another undefeated team in pool play. So far, the Wolves have dispatched the Omaha Lancer 4-2,
\nKings Park\/Commack 2-1, St John Bosco Braves 3-2\u00a0 and the Gillette Wild 6-0.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, as the puck drops, the high scoring Wolves find themselves locked in a defensive battle with a Metros team<\/span>
\nwith a well equipped defensive and goaltending corps. James Page<\/strong> scores in the first period, with helpers from Alec Neiman<\/strong><\/span>
\nand Kolton Kane<\/strong>.\u00a0 The Wolves\u00a0post a retaliatory goal later in the period and the first period ends tied at one a piece.<\/span><\/p>\n

After that, no one can find the back of the net as Montana & Iowa’s best two goaltenders go toe-to-toe and after three<\/span>
\nperiods the game remains tied.<\/span><\/p>\n

The additional period continues until 11:04 into overtime when Kolton Kane sends a Drake Beller pass directly to the
\nwaiting Alec Nieman<\/strong>. His shot beats the Plano goaltender and sends the Metros to the National Championship game.<\/span><\/p>\n

James Page\u00a0 Alec Nieman\u00a0 Kolton Kane\u00a0\u00a0 Drake Beller\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kolton Kane\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0James Page <\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/b>
\n\u00a0\u00a0
\nLeft:<\/b>\u00a0James Page<\/strong> puts Sioux City on the board with assists from Alec Neiman<\/strong> and Kolton Kane<\/strong>. Plano will answer back
\nsix minutes <\/span>later, but after that, its all up to the goalies. The games remained tied after thee periods.\u00a0Right:<\/b>\u00a0James Page<\/strong> and
\nKolton Kane<\/strong> battle <\/span>Plano-West for puck. The game goes back and forth with shots from both teams but none solving
\neither goaltender.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>After going 2-1 in pool play and defeating a pair of undefeated teams in the quarter and semi-final rounds, the Sioux City Metros
\nprepare for the team’s first ever National Tournament Championship game.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Blake Beller<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>Entering today’s the championship game, The Metros and Blake Beller<\/strong> both have the specter of the tournament ‘s second
\ngame hanging <\/span>over them; an 8-1 beating by these same Monarch Coyotes. Even though the Metros rebounded and won
\nthree straight games, they <\/span>enter the game as underdogs again, and few observers give them any chance in this rematch.
\nHowever, with a team loaded with <\/span>character, players who score at the right time and a championship caliber net minder,
\nthe Metros Nation knows they have a chance.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

USA Hockey National Tournament Championship Game 6<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>Monday, March 26th<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>\"\"3-<\/span><\/span><\/span>Sioux City Metros vs. Monarch Coyotes-2\"\"
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>Championship Game \/ March 25th
\nMonday morning’s USA National Championship game pits the Monarch Coyotes against the Sioux City Metros. The
\nCoyotes enter the championship game having gone undefeated in pool play; defeating Newark, Manatee, Greenville,
\nSt John Bosco and these same Sioux City Metros; along the way, they out scored their opponents 3:1.
\n<\/span><\/span>Sioux City enters the game having defeated\u00a0 Manatee, Newark, Billings and Plano West; their only lose was a crushing<\/span>
\n8-1 defeat to these Coyotes. Sioux City enters another game as the underdog and this time as a dog with little chance at all.<\/span>
\n
\nThe first period sees the Coyotes continue their domination over the Metros, scoring twice in the first six minutes and<\/span>
\nstifling the Metros attack. The game looks to be another route by the Rocky Moutian Staters.<\/span><\/p>\n

However with four and a half minutes left in the first period, Chase Lewison grabs the puck off a Monarch forward and<\/span>
\nslides to over to Reece McDonald<\/strong>. His shot beats the Monarch goalie, putting the Metros back in the game and scoring<\/span>
\nthe goal that would later be credited as turning the tide of the game.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Metros find themselves locked in another well prepared for defensive battle. With just under a minute and a half
\nremaining in the scoreless second period, James Page<\/strong> lights the lamp, giving the Metros the lead and putting the
\nCoyotes on their heels for the first time all weekend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early in the third, James Page<\/strong> bumps a pass of the boards to a waiting Drake Beller<\/strong> and it’s off to the races. Drake
\nbeats <\/span>two Monarch defenders, cuts across the slot and launches a wrister that whizzes past the Monarch net minder
\nfor the <\/span>eventual 2018 National Championship game winning goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chase Lewison\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Walter Werden
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>
\nLeft:<\/b>\u00a0 When Chase Lewison<\/strong> steals the puck off a breaking Monarch forward it is the beginning of the end for the
\nheavily favored favored Monarch Coyotes.\u00a0Right: Walt Werden<\/b>\u00a0keeps a close eye on one of the Monarch’s high
\nscorers, Oliver Diasabey. The Metros stellar “D” limited the high scoring Coyotes to two early goals but after that they
\nshut them out for nearly forty-five minutes straight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blake Beller<\/span><\/b>
\n<\/span>
\nIt takes Blake and the Metros six minutes to adjust and catch-up to the Colorado attack. Unfortunately, by then the Metros are<\/span>
\ntwo goals down; the first goal, a high snapper that beats Blake on the glove side. The second is a front-of-the-net scramble that<\/span>
\nslips into the net on his stick side. However, from then on…these are Blake’s the only two mistakes; he plays perfect hockey<\/span>
\nthe next forty-five minutes straight, shutting down three Colorado power plays and stopping twenty-seven shots on goal.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chase Lewison
\n<\/span><\/b>Sets-up the Metros First Goal…<\/span><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>
\n\u00a0With four and half minutes remaining in the first period, the Metros find themselves still down by two goals. Another commanding
\nvictory by the Coyotes looks to be inevitable, however, when\u00a0Chase Lewison<\/b>\u00a0steals the puck from a breaking Monarch forward,
\nthe tide is about to turn. Waiting at the blue line for his partners Connor Sand and Reece McDonald to tag-up, he brings the puck
\nin the zone. Both defenders elect to play the body, but Chase is able to slide the puck past the two collapsing defenders over to a
\nwide open\u00a0Reece McDonald<\/b>\u00a0and a trailing\u00a0Connor Sand<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Reece McDonald<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>…Turns the Tide<\/span><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>
\nAfter a quick tag at the line,\u00a0Reece<\/b>\u00a0already has a full head of steam; he takes the pass and is streaking to the net, however, he<\/span>
\ntoo has a pair of\u00a0 Colorado defenders to beat and that he does. Neither can can get close enough to deter his shot and his wrister<\/span>
\nbeats the Colorado goaltender on the stick side and the Metros are on the board. While this isn’t the game winning goal, it’s the<\/span>
\ngoal that changed the whole momentum of the game and from this point on…it’s all Sioux City.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Connor Sand\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 James Page<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0
\nLeft: Connor Sand<\/b>\u00a0works the puck out from behind the Colorado net. Sioux City’s first goal is a huge; cutting the Monarch
\nlead in half and changing the games momentum for good. Connor and Chase Lewison would assist on the Metros first goal,
\nwhen Reece McDonald beats the Colorado goaltender on the stick side.\u00a0Right:<\/b>\u00a0James Page<\/b>\u00a0gets a first period shot on Colorado
\ngoaltender \u00a0Reese Kelly but is stopped…this time. James will eventually foil the seemingly\u00a0 unbeatable goaltender when with a
\nminute and a half remaining in the second period he ties the game at two goals apiece.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grant <\/span><\/b><\/span>Newman<\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0
\n<\/span><\/b>The Metros third pillar of success was their defense. Lead all season by Seniors\u00a0Grant Newman<\/b>,\u00a0Walter Werden<\/b>\u00a0and
\nChristian Petersen<\/b>; there seemed to be no offence they couldn’t adjust to and eventually naturalize. Grant Newman is
\nshown here successfully blocking a Coyotes centering pass and denying the opposition a shot on goal. Throughout the
\nseason, the Metros, both forwards and defense blocked potential scoring opportunities on a regular basis.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Tyler Ownby\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cale Bricker<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nFreshman\u00a0Tyler Ownby<\/b>\u00a0wins this draw against Monarch Mitchell Ganem and sophomore\u00a0Cale Bricker<\/b>\u00a0looks to beat
\nJames Scatena into the attacking zone. Both Metros youngsters saw significant time in this National Tournament,
\nwith both players suiting-up for five of the six games, including the championship game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

James Page<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b>Scores the equalizer!!!<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nLeft: James Page\u00a0<\/b>scores with a minute and a half remaining in the second period with what is described as the USA Hockey
\nAnnouncers as “… second effort, third effort, fourth effort” when he out-muscles four Monarch players, finally beating Monarch
\ngoalie Reece Kelly and tieing the game at two goals apiece.\u00a0Right: Drake Beller<\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0Kolton Kane<\/b>\u00a0collect assists on this goal
\nthat gives spark the Metros eventual victory and National Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

James Page<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Drake Beller<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/b><\/span>…with the Winner<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nRight:<\/b>\u00a0With two and a half minutes into the third period, James Page bumps a pass from to corner along the board to a waiting
\nDrake Beller\u00a0<\/b>where he grabs the biscuit and is off to the races. He splits the defense between the red and blue line, then cuts
\nacross the high slot, essentially splitting them a second time. His wrist shot finds the net, beating the Monarch goalie on the stick
\nside.\u00a0Right:<\/b>\u00a0James Page, Grant Newman, and Kolton Kane help Drake Beller celebrate the eventual game and National
\nChampionship winner.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>
\nClick above to see the Championship Game highlights as well as hear the Voice of the Metros call the last goal and the final seconds countdown<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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\nThe Metros hold off the heavily favored Monarch Coyotes repeated attempts to tie the game before the third period ends and
\ndo so with success as the Metros become the 2018 USA Hockey National Champions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sioux City Metros<\/span>
\n2018 USA Hockey National Champions
\nGrant Newman\u00a0 Blake Beller\u00a0 James Page\u00a0 Connor Sand\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2018 National Champions<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/b>
\n<\/b>The Metros come form behind to defeat the heavily favored Monarch Colorado Coyotes. Having soundly beaten the Metros<\/span>
\nin pool play 8-1 three days prior many\u00a0 conceded that this game was going to be more of the same. However, this time Blake<\/span>
\nBeller is perfect on all but two attempts and goals from Connor Sand, James Page and Drake Beller deliver Sioux City\u2019s first<\/span>
\nNational Championship.<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\" \"\" \"\"
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Return to SYHAstuff.com Home Page<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Drake Beller\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Kolton Kane\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Grant Newman
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\"\"\u00a0\"\" \"\"
\nInsert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.
\nInsert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.<\/span><\/p>\n

Connor Sand\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Walt Werden\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Chase Lewison
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/span>\"\"\u00a0\"\" \"\"
\nInsert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.
\nInsert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.Insert Player tournament information here.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a0 \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

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\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Home of the two-time USA Hockey National Champions Sioux City Metros \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0USA Hockey 2018 High School Hockey National Championships Plymouth, MN \/ March 22nd-26th, 2018 A collection of Championship teams from all over the country converge in Plymouth, MN to compete for the High School National Championship. The tournament is held in the… Continue reading Metros 2 2017-18 USA Hockey National Champions<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9154","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9154"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12120,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9154\/revisions\/12120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebatchellerpad.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}