Robin Kuzma's hat trick lifts Chicago Mission to USA Hockey 15O title in Fargo
Goaltender Jake Windbiel stopped 28 shots to avenge last year’s loss in the 14U championship game
Chicago Mission players raise the trophy for the USA Hockey Tier I 15O national championship on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Scheels Arena in Fargo.Rob Beer / The Rink Live
FARGO — Goaltender Jake Windbiel spent a couple extra moments on the ice with a few remaining teammates, soaking in the dimmed light atmosphere Sunday at Scheels Arena.
His Chicago Mission squad had just defeated the Long Island Gulls 4-1 to win the USA Hockey Tier I 15O championship. While Robin Kuzma stepped off the ice after scoring a hat trick, it was Windbiel processing his emotions and relishing the victory.
“It’s so sweet, especially after last year and getting all the way here and losing,” the 6-foot-4 Windbiel said. “It’s unreal. I’m holding back tears just thinking about it.”
Kuzma scored a goal in each period, polishing it off with an empty-net goal with 2:18 to play. Matthew Portz had the lone goal for Long Island.
“It’s a really big moment,” Kuzma said. “We’ve been working all year for this. It’s a really tight group this year. It’s unreal.”
