Cherry Creek High School secured its first state championship in 5A ice hockey since 2015, defeating top-seeded Poudre School District with a final score of 5-3 at Magness Arena. This marks the fifth overall hockey title for Cherry Creek.
Coach Jeff Mielnicki praised his team after the victory. “(It feels) tremendous,” Mielnicki said. “The kids have been working so hard this year and their confidence has been growing, and (they are) just a great group of kids. They worked hard and they got what they deserve. So I am very happy for them.”
Senior Matthew Lopez played a key role by scoring three goals as Cherry Creek came back from being down 2-1 in the second period.
“Matthew Lopez is the glue-stick for us, and he can do anything so we have him in a set center position and when we need him late in the game like in the third, he is playing top minutes as a defenseman,” Mielnicki said. “His hockey IQ is exceptional and his competitive grit and heart is just unmatched. So I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
In the first period, both teams focused on defense, but Cherry Creek managed to take an early lead with a goal from junior forward Brady Sullivan.
Poudre responded in the second period with two quick goals from senior forwards Cavyn Nelson and Hayden Miller. However, Cherry Creek regained momentum with two goals from Lopez to lead 3-2 going into the final period.
Lopez completed his hat trick in the third period, extending Cherry Creek’s advantage. Although Poudre narrowed the gap with a goal from senior London Salmela, Bruins junior Liam Corcoran added another goal to secure the win for Cherry Creek.
