Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) –The Rushmore Thunder high school hockey team just returned from Nationals in California and they did so with a championship.
Tuesday after noon Central High School held a pep assembly to celebrate.
Last year this team fell short at state and had something to prove this time around.
“This year we came into the season knowing we had to get the job done. So we started off, we started earlier this season, we started in September I think.” Thunder Center Cameron Ritter Said
As soon as the first puck dropped, the students were loud supporting their peers..
“We had supporters at all of our home games, we had a student section and even when we went on the road there were a couple of guys that would get together and watch the games online, they supported us throughout the season so it was nice.” Ritter Said
“Yeah it’s really cool, even though Central doesn’t have a hockey team it was really cool to have all the teachers, staff and students really hype for us. It was really awesome. You know a lot of these guys come to the hockey games and they do a really good job.” Thunder Goalie Wyatt Simmons Said
The Thunder finished the season 30-1, only dropping a game in pool play at nationals this year.
“The refs ref differently than they ref here, the teams play differently than they do here. Some of the teams are more physical, less physical, more passing or less passing. But overall we just played our game and trusted in it and we came out on top with our coaching from Konrad with his fantastic coaching.” Thunder Right Wing Mason McGregor Said
Colton Merchen led the team in goals and assists at nationals, but said it was a full team effort with the depth they had.
“We had guys we weren’t sure about going into the year but they played such a critical role throughout the whole year. We were able to play four lines solid all year at any game. And we didn’t need to worry about getting scored on or turning the tables so it was pretty awesome. We built a family here and I love it. It was an awesome year.” Thunder Center Colton Merchen Said
This is the first time the Rushmore Thunder have won the High School 2A National Championship.
