Minnesota Blue Ox Win 14U USA Hockey National Championship

It was a week packed with dramatic finishes and exceptional play from the Blue Ox Under-14 team, who clinched the USA Hockey National Championship in thrilling fashion with an overtime victory over the Minutemen Flames.

The final chapter of this unforgettable tournament saw Ayven Hontvet (Warroad) score with just 11 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Then, Joey Cullen (Moorhead) sealed the win, scoring the overtime goal that crowned the Blue Ox as National Champions at the 14U level.

The Blue Ox finished the week with a perfect 6-0 record, battling through top-tier competition from across the country. Their journey to the championship included a semifinal upset against the highly favored Little Caesars, the number one seed in the tournament. The Blue Ox proved they were ready for the challenge, outplaying Little Caesars and advancing to the final.

What truly set this team apart was their resilience. Five of their six victories came by a single goal, showcasing their “never-say-quit” attitude and determination to fight through adversity. Here’s a look at the Blue Ox’s dramatic week:

• Tuesday: Down by one to Pittsburgh, the Blue Ox mounted a comeback to win 3-2.
• Wednesday: Trailing 1-0 to the Minutemen, they battled back to win 2-1 in overtime, courtesy of a clutch goal from Joey Cullen.
• Thursday: Facing a 2-0 deficit against Long Island, they rallied to secure a 6-4 victory.
• Friday (Quarterfinals): In a tense matchup with Dallas, the Blue Ox were tied late in the game before Cullen scored the go-ahead goal with just 25 seconds remaining in regulation.
• Saturday (Semifinals): In a nail-biting overtime, they defeated Little Caesars with a game-winning goal from Henry Buttweiler.
• Sunday (Championship): Down by one with only seconds left, Hontvet’s clutch goal forced overtime, and Cullen’s overtime goal clinched the championship.

It was a week full of heart, grit, and unforgettable moments—one that will be etched in the memories of the Blue Ox players, coaches, and families. Congratulations to the Blue Ox for their incredible achievement as USA Hockey National Champions!

Player Stats

#	Player	Points	Games	Goals	A	PTS
12	JOSEPH CULLEN	F	6	8	3	11
9	HENRY BUTTWEILER	F	6	2	6	8
3	JOHN GRAMER	F	6	0	6	6
13	EASTON DOZARK	D	6	3	3	6
10	CAMERON COULTER	F	6	3	2	5
14	RODRICK JACKSON	F	6	2	3	5
18	CHARLIE MARVIN	F	6	1	3	4
7	DREW KORTAN	D	6	1	3	4
11	WILLIAM CULLEN	F	6	1	2	3
17	AYVEN HONTVET	D	6	1	1	2
2	OWEN KRAFT	F	6	0	2	2
16	PARKER DERANEY	D	6	1	1	2
6	LANDON KNOTT	D	6	0	1	1
5	AUSTYN MALEPORT	F	6	1	0	1
8	FINNLEY ALLEN	F	6	0	0	0
19	OWEN WRIGHT	F	6	0	0	0
15	ANDREW FRISCH	D	6	0	0	0
4	GAGE KALLHOFF	D	6	0	0	0

Goalie stats

#	Player	Games	Shats	GA	GAA	SV%	W-L-T
1	WILL ARNOLD	5	106	12	2.53	0.887	5-0-0
20	LUCAS MILLS	2	31	5	3.2	0.839	1-0-0