Reston Raiders 16U ice hockey team advances to nationals

by Reston Letter staff

Photo contributed by Reston Raiders

The Reston Raiders 16U ice hockey team defeated their counterparts from Capitals Hockey Academy (Arlington, VA) in a white-knuckle brawl to win the Virginia state championship tournament, which was held at SkateQuest in Reston. The win punched the Raiders' ticket to the USA Hockey National Championship tournament in Anaheim, CA later this month. The Capitals, victorious against the Raiders in all three previous meetings this season, scored a late goal to tie the game and force overtime, but the undaunted Raiders brought home the Virginia crown with a thrilling sudden death goal on a wild scramble in front of the opposing goalie.