PALMER, Alaska | November 8, 2026

Three games. Three wins. Not quite enough for a championship.

The Wasilla Warriors continued their impressive start to the 2026–27 hockey season, going undefeated at the Stars and Stripes Tournament, held November 5–7 at the Palmer Sports Center in Palmer. The Warriors outscored their opponents 12–2 over three days, defeating Kenai Central, Soldotna, and Juneau-Douglas. Despite their perfect 3–0 record, Wasilla fell just short of the tournament title, with Colony also finishing undefeated and claiming the championship through tournament tiebreakers.

Warriors Sweep Tournament Competition

Wasilla opened tournament play Thursday, November 5, with a 3–1 victory over Kenai Central, setting the tone for a productive weekend. The Warriors followed that performance with their highest-scoring game of the tournament on Friday, defeating Soldotna 5–1. Saturday’s finale featured Wasilla’s most complete defensive result of the weekend, a 4–0 shutout of Juneau-Douglas that secured the three-game sweep.

The Warriors’ offense was led by Branson Hagel, who scored four goals during the tournament, and Kaden Schachle, who added three. Dylan Mead contributed two goals, while Elijah Barcelona, Bovat Volny, and Maxx Blaylock also found the back of the net.

The scoring balance, combined with Wasilla’s defensive effort, helped the Warriors finish the tournament having allowed just two goals in three games.

Perfect Record, Narrow Championship Margin

While Wasilla handled everything on its schedule, Colony matched the Warriors with three victories of its own. With both teams finishing 3–0, the championship came down to tournament tiebreakers, which ultimately favored the Knights. The outcome left Wasilla without the tournament trophy despite an unbeaten weekend, but the Warriors departed Palmer with plenty of reasons for confidence.

Warriors Continue Strong Start

The tournament sweep follows Wasilla’s season-opening 3–1 victory over defending Division I state champion South Anchorage on October 30. Through four games, the Warriors have scored 15 goals while surrendering just three, demonstrating an effective combination of offensive production and defensive consistency.

Wasilla now turns its attention to Railbelt Conference competition, beginning with a highly anticipated matchup against Colony on Tuesday, November 10, at the Menard Sports Complex. After finishing the tournament with identical undefeated records but different places in the final standings, the Warriors and Knights will have an opportunity to settle matters head-to-head on the ice. For Wasilla, the early-season results have established a strong foundation.

Four games into the season, the Warriors remain unbeaten, and their toughest challenges are still ahead.

JV Warriors Capture Stars and Stripes Championship

The Wasilla hockey program had even more reason to celebrate over the weekend, as the Junior Varsity Warriors also went undefeated, capturing the championship at the JV Stars and Stripes Tournament held at Brett Memorial Ice Arena in Wasilla. While the varsity squad narrowly missed the title on tiebreakers, the JV Warriors brought home the championship trophy, completing an outstanding weekend for Wasilla hockey at both levels.

Stars and Stripes Tournament Results

November 5–7, 2026 | Palmer Sports Center

Tournament Record: 3–0

Goals Scored: 12

Goals Allowed: 2

Goal Differential: +10

Tournament Finish: 2nd; championship decided by tiebreakers in Colony’s favor

Overall Season Record: 4–0-0