As the hockey season nears its end, five youth teams from the Raleigh area have successfully advanced through state and district levels to qualify for the 2025 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships. The teams representing North Carolina include the U14 AA Golden Bears Boys, U16 AA Junior Hurricanes Boys, U16 AAA Junior Hurricanes Boys, U16 AAA Junior Hurricanes Girls, and U18 AA Raleigh Raptors.
Justin Williams, a former player of the Hurricanes, coaches the U16 AAA Junior Hurricanes Boys team, which is currently ranked 13th nationwide. The U16 AAA Junior Hurricanes Girls team is under the guidance of Sarah Antonelli, the Hurricanes Girls & Women’s Hockey Specialist.
Shane Willis, Hurricanes Director of Youth Hockey & Community Outreach, expressed support for the teams: “The Hurricanes would like to wish the best of luck to all five teams competing in the upcoming National Tournaments,” Willis stated. “We hope they bring home some banners, but are so proud of all of them and are happy to have teams – both boys and girls – having success and showcasing the growth of our great game here in Raleigh and throughout the state of North Carolina.”
The national tournaments will take place from April 1 to April 6 at various locations across the United States. The games will be available for live streaming. Further information on the events can be accessed.
