Park City Miners hockey team returns from nationals with single victory

After their third-straight Utah State D-1 Championship, the Park City Miners hockey team participated in the National Championship Tournament in Texas, finishing with an overall record of 1-2. Photo: Jennefer Traeger.

DALLAS, Texas — After their third-straight Utah State D-1 Championship, the Park City Miners hockey team participated in the National Championship Tournament in Texas, finishing with an overall record of 1-2.

While the Miners failed to advance from the group stage, they did win their first game tournament game against the Strake Jesuit Crusaders (TX), which was no small feat.

Following an explosive first period of offense with two goals from Keegan Torrey, the Miners led 4-0 and continued to apply the pressure with two more goals in the second. Overall, Park City dominated the local Texas team by a score of 6-0, marking an impressive victory at the national level.

As the tournament continued however, the Miners were simply outmatched as they dropped their second game to the eventual National Champion runner-ups, Steven High School (IL), by a score of 6-2, and lost their final game 4-2 to the Springfield Rifles (MA).

Despite a 1-2 overall record, the Miners can hold their heads high as they were able to record a win at nationals, something Utah teams have struggled to do in the past. Additionally, given their initial group, Park City faced a near impossible task of advancing as two of the best teams in their entire tournament stood in their way.

With the 2021-22 campaign now officially closed, the Miners will look to defend their state title next season and secure their fourth-straight at the helm of Utah high school hockey.