Thanksgiving Classic New Jersey Championship Recap
The Thanksgiving Classic in New Jersey, held from November 29 to December 1, 2024, featured intense competition across divisions ranging from 10U to 14U. Each championship game showcased the effort and determination of youth hockey teams striving for victory. Here’s a recap of the final matchups.
10U A Championship Recap
The Metro Militia (4-1-0) captured the 10U A division title with a commanding 5-1 win over the Cutting Edge Cobras (3-2-0). After a tied first period, the Militia surged ahead in the second and added two more goals in the third, sealing their championship victory with consistent offensive pressure.
10U B Championship Recap
The NJ Jets (4-1-0) emerged victorious in the 10U B division with a narrow 4-3 win over the NJ Falcons (3-2-0). The Falcons led after the first period, but the Jets responded with a dominant second period, scoring all four of their goals to secure the title.
12U A Championship Recap
The Mercer Chiefs (Brown) (4-1-0) dominated the 12U A division championship with an 8-1 victory over the Jersey Shore Wildcats (Red) (2-3-0). The Chiefs pulled away in the second period with four unanswered goals and maintained their momentum in the third to capture the championship in decisive fashion.
12U B Championship Recap
The Skylands Kings (White) (4-1-0) claimed the 12U B division championship with a thrilling 6-5 win over the NJ Colonials (3-2-0). Both teams exchanged goals in the first two periods, but the Kings managed to edge out the Colonials with a late third-period goal, securing the victory in a tightly contested game.
14U AA Championship Recap
The NJ Jets (5-0-0) took home the 14U AA division title with a 4-1 win over the Hunterdon Bears (2-3-0). The Jets set the tone early, scoring two goals in the first period and adding another in the second. Despite a third-period goal from the Bears, the Jets’ solid defense and efficient offense carried them to victory.
14U A Championship Recap
The Jersey Shore Wildcats (Red) (5-0-0) secured the 14U A division championship with a 2-1 overtime win against the NJ Jets (Black) (3-2-0). After a tightly contested regulation, the Wildcats found the game-winning goal in overtime, capping off an undefeated tournament run with a thrilling championship victory.
14U B Championship Recap
The NJ Bandits (Lemieux) (4-0-0) dominated the 14U B division championship with a 7-3 win over the Cutting Edge Cobras (White) (4-0-0). The Bandits pulled away with a strong third period, scoring four goals to cement their title in a high-scoring final.
The Thanksgiving Classic in New Jersey highlighted the dedication and skill of youth hockey players across all divisions. Congratulations to the champions for their impressive performances and to all teams for their hard work throughout the tournament.