AHSHA State Championship Highlights
The Arizona High School Hockey Association (AHSHA) Division 1 state championship, a pinnacle event in its 23rd year, took place at Mullett Arena in Tempe, home to the Arizona Coyotes and Arizona State University. Eight teams competed in a play-in round on January 22, with Desert Vista emerging as a standout contender after a six-game winning streak. The Thunder advanced to the championship by defeating Brophy, Chaparral, and the defending champions, Pinnacle, marking their first appearance in the state championship since 2016.
Desert Vista's roster featured key players such as junior forward Ryan Jim, who led the league in postseason scoring, and senior goaltender Aiden Biswanger, known for his impressive save percentage. The team sought revenge against Notre Dame, who had eliminated them the previous year. Notre Dame entered the playoffs as the top seed and aimed for their sixth title after previous championship appearances.
The final showdown on February 4 attracted fans eager to witness the culmination of a season filled with intense competition. After a thrilling game that saw Desert Vista rally from behind, they secured a legendary victory with a final score of 5-4, claiming their first state championship since 2004.
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