New Ulm-Sleepy Eye Bantam A
Season Recap
Coming into this season, not many people pegged New Ulm-Sleepy Eye as a state bound team. This group itself probably didn't start the season thinking it was a state bound team. The goals started with going undefeated in District 4. They accomplished that goal, winning the District title and allowing only three goals in 11 games.
The belief they may be one of the best teams in the state started slowly, and grew as the season went on. Early season wins over Sartell and a tie with Mankato jump started the thought. This belief grew more with a good showing in the Proctor tournament against very good competition. As everyone bought into the concept of doing their part to make the group successful, they started to realize how good they could be. Late in the season, the team traveled to Mankato, one of the top teams in the state, battled all night and lost a game that they deserved to win. It was then they realized they belonged with the best the state had to offer. The quote “Why not us” started being thrown around in the locker room and at practice in reference to going to the state tournament.
The Region Tournament started with a triple overtime game against Northfield that everyone on both sides will remember forever. Not only did the team pull out an unforgettable win, they followed it up the next day by avenging their late season loss to Mankato and advancing to the Region championship game. After a tough loss Sunday morning, the group did what it had all year and responded to adversity with a complete game effort to win in shutout fashion over Mankato and clinch their berth at the state tournament.
Unfortunately, the season did not end at the state tournament like it was supposed to. Memories were made throughout the journey of the year: the preseason skates, the late-night practices, the tournament hotels, and Sunday at Regions. Nothing can diminish what this team was able to accomplish. Being able to qualify for the Bantam State Tournament is quite the achievement, but being first boys’ team since 1976 from New Ulm-Sleepy Eye makes it even more special. This group being able to come together as a team, buy into their roles and systems, their willingness to consistently put their bodies on the line for their teammates, and the unselfishness of everyone involved will not only make these young men successful in their hockey future, but in anything they pursue in life.