Even though the Rocky Mountain Lady RoughRiders’ 16U AA team came home with a 1-3 mark at the USA Hockey Youth Nationals last month in Burlington, Vt., no one was about to sulk.

Lady RoughRiders hockey director Marcus Scarafoni called the experience nothing short of amazing.

“Nationals is a great way for our players to experience the type of play we want to exude throughout watching and participating in this particular tournament,” said Scarafoni. “Knowing that the other teams want it just as much or more than the Lady RoughRiders, the girls work toward a common goal and push each other along the way. Gaining the understanding that there is still a lot of work to be done and the life of a hockey player is not an easy one with lots of ups and downs, teaching us life lessons along the way. This group of players had set a goal to get back to the national stage and prove even more to themselves and their teammates, gaining more experience and learning along the way.

“I am proud of their accomplishments and wish them the best moving forward as we graduate some of these girls to the 19U level.”

In Burlington, the Lady RoughRiders opened with a 7-1 loss to the Alaska All Stars, then beat the Vermont Shamrocks 4-3 in overtime on a Julia Volpe goal, lost to the Concord Capitals 4-1 and then finished up with a 2-1 loss to Assabet in the quarterfinals.

“Just to make it to the national tournament is a success in itself,” added Scarafoni. “It shows families in the area that we want to compete at one of the highest levels in the sport as we continue to grow our program. We will continue to be competitive, passionate and willing to go the extra mile to make it to this level and show our efforts through our discipline and play.

Scarafoni is available via phone at 303-204-5582 or email mscarafoni12@yahoo.com.

— Matt Mackinder