The Sno-King Thunderbirds, a regional 9- and 10-year-old boys hockey team, earned their place as the best team among their age group, winning the state title for the Silver Division on Sunday, March 15.

Four of the team’s 15 players are Snoqualmie Valley residents — Cade Kenyon, Christian Myers, Jake Brady and Dominik Vlaha. The Thunderbirds began the tournament with an overtime loss to the Wenatchee Blades. In game two, the Thunderbirds played Tri-Cities with Cade Kenyon scoring two goals in the last five minutes, taking the team to a shootout victory that extended 10 players deep.

The Thunderbirds beat the Seattle Junior Admirals in game three, and the championship game provided the Thunderbirds with a rematch opportunity with Wenatchee. The Thunderbirds prevailed over their rivals, 5-2.

“Winning the Silver Division in the state championship represents a significant accomplishment for such a young team” said Thunderbirds coach Rodney Clark..

Kenyon scored a goal and assist in every game. Myers had two assists in four games. Brady scored a top shelf goal inside the blue line, and Vlaha held strong as goalie, playing three of four games and averaging 15 saves per game.