The Copper City Kings are state champions. They are also state runners up.
Butte’s hockey program saw one of its teams claim the state title in the 10U State B title with a 9-0 win over Bozeman in Sunday’s championship game at the Butte Community Ice Center. The title capped a 21-0 season for the squirt Kings.
Butte also placed second in the 10U State C tournament, falling 7-2 to Miles City in the championship game at the Ice Center.
Helena skated past Missoula 2-0 for third place in the B division. Havre topped Great Falls 4-1 for third place in the C.
Goal keeper Jackson Kruzich secured the shutout in the title game for Butte’s Class B state campions. Colt Hassler and Bryden Wagner each tallied hat tricks. Ribley Viencent added two goals, and Braylon Johnson added one. Hassler, Wagner and Vincent all added assists as well, as did Reena Davisson and Logan Costello
Other members of the state title team are Mason Johnson,, Trapper Stajcar, Ryan Draper, William Lavelle, Samantha Bogert and Cameron Craddock
Cody Lang scored four goals for Miles City in the C title game. Butte bolstered the defensive game of Kylie Jaksha with goals by Noah Ryan and Ricky Dale.
Other members of the runner-up squad are Jacob Ryan, Chase Fulton, Mason Hintz, Charlie Rundle, Kylie Jaksha, Teagan Yelenich, Kale Strozewski, Chloe Jewell, Ellyana McMillan, Braden Harrison, Lexei Madison and Kanyon Flynn.
Bill LaVelle is the head coach for both teams. He is assisted by Jody Hierholzer, Kim Snodgrass and Jeff Draper.

The Copper City Kings show off their second-place trophy following the 10U state C tournament Sunday at the Butte Community Ice Center. (Courtesy photo)
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