14U #1 Team on the Rise

Whether they are battling opponents to move up in the standings, or fighting gravity as they ascend the bleachers at their favorite rink, the 14U #1 team is focused on reaching their full potential. Led by the father and son coaching duo of Zeke and Nick Kochniarczyk, the girls are playing a demanding schedule which includes league play in the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL) Bantam Silver division and the Midwest Elite Hockey League (MWEHL) 14U Girls division. To prepare for their league play, they supplement their on-ice practice schedule with a rigorous off-ice program. 

Through the first two months of the season, the hard work is paying dividends. They completed the NIHL tiering round with 3 wins, 3 losses, and 2 ties and were in every game against some very tough competition. Their record earned them a berth in the top tier of the NIHL Silver division where they will play their first game on November 7. 

In the Girls Division of the MWEHL, they have opened the season with 5 straight wins against the Madison Capitols (2), Maryland Blue Devils (2), and Chicago Young Americans (1). They have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 33-8 in rising to first place in the league. Their next MWEHL weekend is November 7-9 in Madison, Wisconsin where they will face the Madison Capitols, Wisconsin Wild, and Detroit's Little Caesars. 

Their success can be attributed to a combination of hard work and a very balanced team. They have demonstrated an ability to use a variety of skills as the situation dictates. At forward they have shown good passing, stick handling and shooting skills which complement their good team speed. On defense, they have demonstrated excellent skating and agility along with an ability to see the ice and set up plays. In goal they have been stellar, posting a goals against average right around 2.00 through the first 18 games. When it comes to physical play ... suffice it to say that it is obvious that many of the girls on the team have older brothers. 

It is a long season and the girls will have to continue to work hard to achieve their lofty goals, but they are off to a great start. Good luck 14Us #1!