Many people have been reading about the St. Lawrence Thunder’s success at being the champs in the Tier 11 State Championships at Freeport, NY.  In over 10 years, the North Country hasn’t been represented in the USA Hockey National Championships, until now. Well, the group of boys on this specific team has put the North back on the map!

Corey Garrow is a talented 14-year-old goalie who has been playing very well for this team.  He is the son of Dan and Belva Garrow and has two sisters, Toni and Riley of Tsi Snaihne. This family is a tremendously busy hockey family while all three are presently active in the sport. There will be many more games facing this family in the months to come.

The 2010 NY State Amateur Hockey Association was held in Freeport, NY on March 12-14 with the 14 and under boys division.  This year was a special one as the NYSAHA hosted the tournament on its 50th Anniversary.  The best teams competed and the winner would go to the national tournament.  The St. Lawrence Thunder was successful in their victories against Rome, Freeport, Rochester and Long Island.  During this tournament on Long Island, the winds were very strong and included flooding.  This caused the “bubble” where the teams were playing to collapse.  An alternate site had to be made available so the facility where the NY Islanders practice was used.

The team members for the 14 and under Bantams were originally selected in Massena and practices were held there and in Potsdam.  The players are from Ahkwesahsne, Malone, Canton, Potsdam and Massena.

The interest and support for this team is overwhelming and it is so nice to hear that so many want to help out.  Potsdam has kicked in a lot of help with donations and expenses for the team.  The Akwesasne Area Management Board has also helped out very much.  Last year, this team’s NYSAHA was held in Dallas, TX and St. Lawrence Thunder came is second.

On April 7-11, The National Tournament will be held in Wayne, NJ.  The

St. Lawrence Thunder will face Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Wisconsin in their opening competitions.  Whichever team ends up with the best record for points will advance to the quarterfinals.

 Corey, we wish you the best in your upcoming games in New Jersey. Congratulations on winning the States in order to advance.