Harper Strack of Lake Placid, Kayla Harvey of Saranac Lake and Anna Kavanagh of Tupper Lake were members of the Canton Blades 14U girls hockey team that competed at the USA Hockey National Championships in Rochester, Michigan, March 25 to 29. The team had an outstanding tournament run, earning silver medals as national runner-ups.

The national tournament featured 28 teams from across the country competing in the 14U Tier II division. Of those, 12 teams competed in the 1A bracket, while 16 of the higher-ranked teams competed in the 2A bracket. The 2A tournament represents the top tier of competition at this level, and the Canton Blades competed in the 2A division against some of the best teams in the nation.

In addition to the three Tri-Lakes players, the team is made up of athletes from across the North Country, including Potsdam, Canton, Ogdensburg, Mooers, Akwesasne and Bombay, highlighting the strength of girls hockey throughout the region.

The Blades went undefeated in pool play, opening with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over the North Shore Warhawks on March 25. They followed that with a 6-1 victory over the Mid Fairfield Stars on March 26 and a 6-0 shutout of the Philadelphia Junior Flyers on March 27.

Canton Blades’ Kayla Harvey of Saranac Lake skates with the puck during a USA Hockey National Championships game in Rochester, Michigan. (Provided photo)

In the quarterfinals on March 28, the Blades defeated the Seattle Red Hawks 8-1 to advance. Later that day, they earned a spot in the national championship game with a 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Steel City Selects in the semifinals.

The championship game on March 29 against the top-ranked Minnesota Lakers was a hard-fought battle that saw Canton fall 6-5 in a shootout. Though the team lost, it proved they are among the top teams in the country.

The Blades jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first period of the championship game, and held a 4-3 edge late in the second. Minnesota responded in the third to take a 5-4 lead, but Canton pulled their goalie and scored with just 8 seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime.

After a scoreless overtime period, the game went to a shootout, where the Lakers scored twice to secure the national title.

Throughout the season, Canton competed not only in USA Hockey play but also in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association Tier 1 Canadian league. The Blades compiled an overall record of 39-14-11, won multiple tournaments at both the Tier 1 and Tier 2 levels and were ranked third in the nation for Girls Tier 2 hockey. They also finished second overall in New York state across both Tier 1 and Tier 2 divisions.

Canton Blades’ Anna Kavanagh of Tupper Lake skates toward the puck during a USA Hockey National Championships game in Rochester, Michigan. (Provided photo)

All three Tri-Lakes players played important roles in the team’s success throughout the season and during the national tournament.

The opportunity would not have been possible without the support of the community, members of the Blades said. They thanked the generosity of local sponsors, donors and supporters who helped make the experience possible.