Iron River earns Squirt B title

By Brian Kalisher –

When talking about youth state titles in the state of Michigan, the Upper Peninsula is an area that provides plenty of champions.  While folks in the lower part of the Mitten may not have access to these match-ups, they are definitely some to keep tabs on.

Iron River defeated St. Ignace 3-2 for the Squirt B state championship on March 4 in Negaunee.  Led by outstanding goaltending from Evan Hedtke, who gave up only nine goals in all five tournament games, and full team effort from their co-ed players, Iron River walked away with their second Squirt championship in three years.

“We didn’t play our A-game the whole weekend,” coach Mike Hedtke said.  “We played better hockey probably in districts, but we played good, solid defense, good solid goaltending and had great back-checking and took advantage of a lot of plays when we had them.”

Hedtke is happy that his team accomplished something they set out to do last season.

“Our goal since last year at districts was to get to states and win,” Hedtke said.

Iron River has faced tough teams all year.  In fact, seven losses of the team’s eight this year came from A and AA squads.

“We played tough competition, so then when it was time to play that top competition we were ready for it,” Hedtke said.

During Sunday’s contest, Iron River took a 3-1 lead late into the third period before earning a couple of penalties within ten seconds of each other.  The team was successful in killing off the 5-on-3, before St. Ignace pulled their goalie for the extra attacker and added a goal to make the game 3-2.  Iron River played strong defensively in the remaining minutes to claim the victory.

“I always tell the team, to be the best; you have to play the best.”