Los Alamos Varsity (18U) hockey team team poses for a team photo: back row, from left are: Head Coach Lyle Grove, Thomas DeVargas, Aryn Ward, Rowan Mowrer, Assistant Coach John Dunwoody, Adrienne Burrows, Tyron Pietryga, Gavin Mitchell, Maddox Martines, Jack Dunwoody, William Nettleton, Milo Naes, Angus Smith, Logan Nolen, Luke Johnson, Jaxon Kelley, Aiden Alley, Assistant Coach Liam Keeley, Assistant Coach Greg Casados. Front row: goalies Abigail Sena and Oliver Henzl. Courtesy photo
Coaches are, from left, Assistant Coach John Dunwoody, Head Coach Lyle Grove, Assistant Coach Liam Keeley and Assistant Coach Greg Casados. Courtesy photo
Seniors on the team are, from left, Tyron Pietryga, Gavin Mitchell, Maddox Martines, Jack Dunwoody, and Aryn Ward
Juniors on the team are Thomas DeVargas left, and Aiden Alley. Courtesy photo
Sophomores on the team are, from left, Rowan Mowrer, William Nettleton, Oliver Henzl, Jaxon Kelley, and Angus Smith. Courtesy photo
Freshmen on the team are, from left, Adrienne Burrows, Abigail Sena, Logan Nolen, Luke Johnson, and Milo Naes. Courtesy photo
BY TRISH ALLEY
The Los Alamos High School varsity hockey team claimed the New Mexico state championship title on February 23, defeating the Santa Fe Blue Jackets 2-1 in a hard-fought final at the Santa Fe Genoveva Chavez Community Center Ice Arena.
The win wrapped up a successful weekend of games, remaining undefeated with a mix of wins and a tie. The Hilltoppers opened with a 2-2 draw against El Paso, followed by a commanding
5-1 victory over NMICE. They continued with another impressive 5-1 win against the Santa Fe
Blue Jackets before the championship final game.
The Hilltoppers’ victory marked the end of a successful season filled with determination and
teamwork. The team maintained a dominant record for most of the season.
Senior forward and team Captain, Gavin Mitchell, scored the first goal of the final game
assisted by senior wing Tyron Pietryga.
Gavin on his last season with LAHA said, “We had an amazing group of players and coaches this year, making this season truly unforgettable. There’s no better feeling than coming together and finishing as State Champions, especially for us seniors. With such a young team, we hope this win proves just how much dedication, teamwork, and effort it takes to not only succeed but excel. We faced our challenges and made some games closer than they should have been, but in the end, we stuck together, put in the work, and got the job done.”
The Hilltoppers’ defense held strong, anchored by stellar goaltending from Sophomore goalie
Oliver Henzl who made 14 saves in the win.
“This championship was probably the biggest game of my life. After losing in late overtime last year especially the seniors wanted to win the trophy back. Myself as well since I was in net when we lost last year. The game was extremely close so everything had to count. The opposing team wanted to win just as much as we did so at this point it was a matter of mentality. Personally, I think without Angus, Gavin and our seniors it wouldn’t be possible. They held us in the game, kept the younger players going, and set a great example for future varsity players. I would also like to recognize this year’s first-time varsity players because after all every player counts and playing the game would be impossible without them,” Henzl said.
Sophomore defenseman Angus Smith delivered the game-winning goal in the final period,
assisted by Gavin Mitchell.
Junior defenseman, Aiden Alley, commended his team, stating, “Our defense did an excellent job holding the line. We had excellent leadership through our team Captain and Assistant Captains.”
He went on to applaud his teammates for their hard work and strong performance throughout the season.
Head Coach Lyle Grove praised his players on their State Championship Win.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team. They showed resilience, stayed composed under pressure, and worked together every step of the way. Winning the championship is a great accomplishment, but more than that, it reflects their hard work and dedication all season long. It’s been a privilege to coach them”.