Jack McGovern – LRHS News

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – The Manatee Admirals hockey team, featuring several LRHS Mustangs, finished third in the nation during spring break.

In St. Louis for the national tournament, the team lost in the semifinals to Cherry Creek Colorado 6-4.

Getting to semifinals was quite the journey, going 27-0 including an 8-1 victory over the Rushmore Thunder from South Dakota, until the devastating loss in the semis.

“It was a blast and honor to be a part of this team. I’m so proud of these boys, and I’ll always remember our run.” said Mustang senior defenseman Brett Wessel.

LRHS junior forward Rhett Rampinelli had 31 goals and 31 assists on the year, and said “it was a good run, it was something I’ll always remember and I’ll always share the bond with these guys.”

The team consisted of players from multiple local high schools but Rampinelli said “the brotherhood in that clubhouse is unreal.” The team will look to go to nationals yet again next year.