Last month, the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights’ 12U AA team etched its name in the history books by becoming the first Pee Wee team from the program to win an International Silver Stick regional championship.

And the Jr. Golden Knights did it in their home state, capturing the title at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

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“It’s very special for us,” said Vegas head coach Kevin Mulcahy. “The competition was outstanding, and the boys rose to the occasion. They will remember this forever. Our commitment to our game plan was to win one shift at a time – it’s that simple. Do your job and move on to the next shift. That’s what we did that weekend.”

The Jr. Golden Knights now move on to the Silver Stick Finals in Port Huron, Mich., from Jan. 24-27.

“We are expecting to face some pretty talented and motivated teams,” said Mulcahy. “We will continue to do what got us here.”

Mulcahy’s team is comprised of forwards Tyler Atchison, Casey Berninger, Jessie Brewer, Jack Lackas, Chayse Laurie, Finn McNabb, Chase Nehring, Caden Ross and Colin Spencer; defensemen Trevor Abele, Connor Beers, Carson Craig, Daniel Maddison and Kaden Mulcahy; and goaltenders Austin Neill and Logan Perez.

Mulcahy is joined on the bench by assistant coach Bo Lackas and the team manager is Kevin Atchison.

“What I like most about this team is the fact that they work so hard at every single practice,” Mulcahy said. “They all push each other to be better, which is remarkable at this age. Every player also has one speed only, and that’s fast.”

After the Port Huron trip, Mulcahy wants to see the team keep moving forward on the pathway to success.

“My expectations are to make the 16 athletes into young men and better hockey players,” said Mulcahy. “Our success comes from the unselfish locker room. Any player will play any position at any time when called upon.

“That’s what makes our team special.”

— Matt Mackinder

(Jan. 21, 2019)