WHEELING, W.Va. – The Morgantown Mohawks are state champions in hockey. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Cory Kourtsis, Morgantown Hockey Association high school director, said they earned the championship with wins over Wheeling Central Catholic and Wheeling Park in Wesbanco Arena.
“Both teams beat us earlier in the year, so it was nice to get some redemption during the championship,” Kourtsis said.
The Mohawks were the second seed in this tournament and have now won the championship (the Bob Otten Trophy) for the second time since 2020.
“There were six seniors who have worked hard for the last four years and spent their whole careers in Morgantown playing hockey—it’s nice to see them win a championship ring,” Kourtsis said.
Unlike other sports where you could languish in the outfield waiting for a pop fly or where playing time might be limited, hockey is a game that requires constant effort to remain a factor on the ice. The program has about 250 participants, and Kourtsis said they like to get boys and girls started in the sport at a young age. The association does have select events where kids can try hockey for free with equipment provided.
“That’s our focus as an organization: getting the younger kids involved,” Kourtsis said. “Get them out on the ice playing, and they can progress from the Mite program up to travel teams or even high school teams.”
Now, the Mohawks have a chance to compete for the national title in March of this year.
“By winning the state championship, we are now invited to the USA Hockey National High School Tournament held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in March,” Kourtsis said.