Jr. Pens Win RiverWorks Tournament as 14U A Gold Champions — March 13–15, 2026
The Jr. Pens 14U A squad closed out their 2025–26 season in style, traveling to Buffalo for the RiverWorks Tournament and going undefeated over three days to claim the 14U A Gold Championship with a final record of 4–0–1. Competing against older AA competition throughout the weekend, the Jr. Pens showed heart, grit, and championship-level composure from start to finish.
Game 1 vs. Camillus Cougars 2011–2012 AA — 2–2 Tie
The Jr. Pens opened the tournament Friday night against the Camillus Cougars and jumped out to a quick 2–0 lead on goals from Connor Kennedy (assisted by Andres Campos) and Campos himself (from Owen Tost and Michael Whiteduck). Gavin Kravulski was sharp in net, stopping 21 of 23 shots as the Jr. Pens outshot the Cougars 23–15. However, the Cougars battled back to tie it 2–2 before the final buzzer. Connor Kennedy earned Player of the Game honors, and the takeaway was clear — the Jr. Pens need to protect leads when they have them.
Game 2 vs. Tonawanda Whalers 2012 AA Red — 3–2 Win
Later that same Friday night, the Jr. Pens found their footing against the Tonawanda Whalers in a game decided by a clutch third-period performance. After a scoreless first, the second period saw goals from Michael Whiteduck (from Dayne Wadas and Connor Kennedy) and Dylan Lyle (from Mason Kelly and Whiteduck) to tie the game 2–2. Max Bartal delivered the game-winner in the third on a feed from Owen Tost to secure the 3–2 win. Nathan Zubick was steady in goal all night, and the team’s disciplined play kept penalty minutes low. Whiteduck earned Player of the Game, and the combination of great goaltending and relentless offensive pressure gave the Jr. Pens the momentum they needed heading into Saturday.
Game 3 vs. Southtowns Stars 2011 AA Green — 3–1 Win
Saturday’s matchup against the Southtowns Stars was the most physical game of the weekend — a hard-nosed battle against an older team that tested the Jr. Pens’ composure. They rose to the challenge. Connor Kennedy scored first on a first-period power play (assisted by John Lauersen), and the Jr. Pens shut the Stars out through two periods before Dayne Wadas (power play, from Michael Whiteduck) and Mason Kelly (from Max Bartal and Wadas) added third-period insurance for a 3–1 final. Gavin Kravulski was solid in goal, the team converted twice on the power play, and they stayed out of the penalty box all night. Wadas earned Player of the Game, and the coaching staff was proud of the maturity the boys showed keeping their heads against a tough, physical opponent.
Game 4 vs. Wheatfield Blades 2012 AA Gold — 3–2 Win
With a spot in the championship game on the line Sunday morning, the Jr. Pens went out and took care of business against the Wheatfield Blades. Dylan Lyle (from Michael Whiteduck) and Whiteduck (unassisted) staked the Jr. Pens to a 2–0 first-period lead, but Wheatfield battled back to make it 2–2. With the game on the line in the third, Michael Whiteduck delivered the go-ahead goal (from Andres Campos and Connor Kennedy) to make it 3–2 and send the Jr. Pens to the championship. Nathan Zubick was outstanding in net throughout, and Lyle earned Player of the Game honors for his strong two-way performance. A must-win game, and the boys delivered.
Championship vs. Southtowns Stars 2011 AA Green — 3–2 OT Win 🏆
The championship game was a fitting end to a remarkable season. The Jr. Pens faced a rematch with the Southtowns Stars on the RiverWorks main rink and came out flying — Michael Whiteduck (unassisted) and Mason Kelly (unassisted) gave the Jr. Pens a 2–0 lead heading into the third period. But the Stars weren’t done, clawing back to tie the game 2–2 and force overtime. With 1:23 remaining in OT, Mason Kelly potted the unassisted winner to clinch the championship and cap off the 2025–26 season with a 4–0–1 tournament record. Gavin Kravulski was outstanding in goal throughout, and Kelly was the undisputed Player of the Game with the clutch overtime heroics.
What a way to close the book on this season. From DVHL Regular Season Champions, to DVHL Playoff Champions, to a 4th place finish at Districts, to capping it all off with a tournament championship in Buffalo — this group of Jr. Pens gave their families, coaches, and community everything they had. The future is bright, and the memories made this season will last a lifetime. Go Jr. Pens! 🖤💛