Using the force not only works in Star Wars. It also works in the universe of inline hockey. Team Hawai‘i, which included four Kaua‘i athletes, skated away with a silver medal in the 1991 “A” division of the State Hockey
Using the force not only works in Star Wars. It also works in the universe of inline hockey.
Team Hawai‘i, which included four Kaua‘i athletes, skated away with a silver medal in the 1991 “A” division of the State Hockey Wars in Illinois last weekend.
“It was an incredible tournament,” Keala Davis’ father Phylo said. “Last year they didn’t do as well.”
In the championship game, Team Hawai‘i led 3-2 late but gave up a game-tying goal and lost in overtime.
During its first round robin game, Hawai‘i blasted Tennessee 9-1.
However, Maryland handed the Hawai‘i crew a 5-3 defeat in the second contest.
Hawai‘i came back in the third round where they blanked Georgia 8-0 and then narrowly defeated Virginia 3-2. After battling in four round robin games with an impressive 3-1 record, Hawai‘i advanced to the semifinals where they clipped Virginia 4-3 in overtime.
Hawai‘i earned the second seed in the finals where they once again battled Maryland.
With the clock down to 2:40 in the second period, Hawai‘i took 3-2 lead. But with 30 seconds left, Maryland managed to score, tying the game at 3-3.
In overtime, Hawai‘i suffered two simultaneous penalties that allowed Maryland to capitalize and score the winning goal.
“Team Hawai‘i played an incredible offensive and defensive game,” Keala’s mom, Michelle, said.
State Wars Hockey is a tournament where the top players from each state must tryout for the team.
They are then hand-selected by a panel of judges. Only 10 players and two goalies make the cut.
Team Hawai‘i was comprised of the best hockey players from the Hawaiian Islands.
Keala Davis, Noa Chun, Xavier Fuerte and Soane Latuniupulu (goalie) represented Kaua‘i.
Representing O‘ahu were Eric Tsuji, Cameron Kakuda, Roy Ogasawara, Tony Pentecost, Ethan Ho, John Whitty and Korbin Mikles as goalie.
Maui players included Torre Durkan and Ryan Poulter. Team Hawai‘i’s head coach is Todd Mayer from Wailua. Assistant Coaches were Todd Fuerte, also from Wailua, and Les Kelly from East O‘ahu.
Three players from Team Hawai‘i were ranked at the top of the overall performance chart: Eric Tsuji at No. 1 with nine goals and one assist; Keala Davis at No. 2 with two goals and six assists; and Ikaika Fuerte tied at No. 3 with two goals and five assists.
Tsuji was also awarded MVP honors in the “A” Division for most goals scored and was also chosen to represent Team Honor in the final games.
“Hawai‘i was represented proudly by Team Hawai‘i, their coaches and all their parents,” Michelle said. “Everyone displayed incredible sportsmanship both on and off the rink. The ‘Aloha Spirit’ radiated throughout Illinois.”
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
