The North Jersey Avalanche are the USA Hockey Youth Tier-I 16U National Champions!

At the Centene Community Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri, the Avalanche took the ice at 10am local time against the Colorado Thunderbirds. The game started out evenly matched, with the Avalanche and Thunderbirds battling for puck possession. But at the end of the first period, the tide began to turn.

The Avalanche turned up the intensity, with multiple opportunities in front of the Thunderbird’s net in the final minutes of the first period. But even after a stellar 2-on-1, the Avalanche were not able to score and the period ended 0-0.

At the top of the second, the Thunderbirds were first to score at only 1:50 into the period. The Avalanche got a power play, and took advantage with a goal by Nicholas Moldenhauer assisted by Peter Klemm and Mick Thompson at 8:27 in the second.

The Avalanche could not be stopped.

With only seven seconds to go in the period, Quentin Musty put one past the Thunderbirds assisted by Peter Klemm and Bryceon Lago. The second period ended 2-1, with the Avalanche eager to maintain their lead.

Early in the third, Lucas Buchanan scored a shorthanded goal. At nine minutes into the period, Quentin Musty scored again on a power play, assisted by Bryceon Lago and Matthew Mania. The Avalanche continued to maintain puck possession and control in the offensive zone. The final Avalanche goal was scored by Antonio Arcaroli assisted by Peter Klemm.

The Avalanche won the game 5-1.