MONROE - For the Monroe U16 hockey team, the Midget U16 Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association state tournament is the only show in town.
Monroe is hosting its seventh U16 WAHA state tournament this weekend. Monroe took second place last year and is looking to avenge a 2-1 loss to Hudson in the championship game last year.
The Monroe U16 team, comprised of junior-varsity and varsity players, enters the state tournament unbeaten (5-0-1). As host, Monroe receives an automatic bid in the tournament even though the U16 team didn't play a full season.
"For the returning players, there is a sense of unfinished business after last year," Monroe coach Dan Moats said. "I think they will step up big."
Monroe opens the round-robin state tournament format at noon Saturday against Milwaukee Shaw at SLICE. The two teams with the most round-robin points play in Sunday's title game. Teams get two points for a win, one for a tie and can earn one point for each period it wins.
"We are excited to have it (the state tournament)," Moats said. "I think they are excited to play for a state title on their home ice. Hockey is growing here in Monroe. It's just really good awareness for hockey in Monroe."
Hosting the six-team state tournament is an economic boon for Monroe.
Gottlieb Brandli Jr., the U16 state tournament director, said hosting the state tournament generates about $6,000 for the rink and the Monroe Hockey Association.
"It's a good fund-raiser for us," Brandli said. "It brings in a lot of money for the rink and the association."
Brandli, who hosted three different state events in Monroe in 2003, is busy gearing up for the tournament. He double checks every player's birth certificate to ensure they are eligible (born 1992 to 1995). He has to delegate the duties of running the scoreboard and manning the penalty box.
"We have to make sure no one brings in any sandbaggers," Brandli said. "Hopefully, Monroe can get revenge on Hudson."
Moats expects a spirited re-match with Hudson.
"I would think Monroe and Hudson will probably be the favorites," he said.
Moats said Monroe will have to take care of possessions and limit turnovers. Taking advantage of the power play also will be critical.
"We will have to capitalize on opportunities when we get them," Moats said.
"When we have the one-man advantage, that is something that hopefully we can take advantage of those."
Tickets for the state tournament will be on sale at the door. Two-day family, individual and student passes are available.
Monroe is hosting its seventh U16 WAHA state tournament this weekend. Monroe took second place last year and is looking to avenge a 2-1 loss to Hudson in the championship game last year.
The Monroe U16 team, comprised of junior-varsity and varsity players, enters the state tournament unbeaten (5-0-1). As host, Monroe receives an automatic bid in the tournament even though the U16 team didn't play a full season.
"For the returning players, there is a sense of unfinished business after last year," Monroe coach Dan Moats said. "I think they will step up big."
Monroe opens the round-robin state tournament format at noon Saturday against Milwaukee Shaw at SLICE. The two teams with the most round-robin points play in Sunday's title game. Teams get two points for a win, one for a tie and can earn one point for each period it wins.
"We are excited to have it (the state tournament)," Moats said. "I think they are excited to play for a state title on their home ice. Hockey is growing here in Monroe. It's just really good awareness for hockey in Monroe."
Hosting the six-team state tournament is an economic boon for Monroe.
Gottlieb Brandli Jr., the U16 state tournament director, said hosting the state tournament generates about $6,000 for the rink and the Monroe Hockey Association.
"It's a good fund-raiser for us," Brandli said. "It brings in a lot of money for the rink and the association."
Brandli, who hosted three different state events in Monroe in 2003, is busy gearing up for the tournament. He double checks every player's birth certificate to ensure they are eligible (born 1992 to 1995). He has to delegate the duties of running the scoreboard and manning the penalty box.
"We have to make sure no one brings in any sandbaggers," Brandli said. "Hopefully, Monroe can get revenge on Hudson."
Moats expects a spirited re-match with Hudson.
"I would think Monroe and Hudson will probably be the favorites," he said.
Moats said Monroe will have to take care of possessions and limit turnovers. Taking advantage of the power play also will be critical.
"We will have to capitalize on opportunities when we get them," Moats said.
"When we have the one-man advantage, that is something that hopefully we can take advantage of those."
Tickets for the state tournament will be on sale at the door. Two-day family, individual and student passes are available.
