Rugby’s High School-level boys hockey team will wrap up its season this weekend (March 6-7) at the NDAHA state tournament in Grand Forks, and hopefully earn its way to the state title game.

The Ice Hawks were seeded third in the 10-team tournament and squared off with No. 6 Watford City in a quarterfinal game on Friday, March 6. Rugby defeated the Oilers in both regular season games, but Watford City took Rugby to overtime in the last meeting on Feb. 13.

“We just want to play the best hockey we can this weekend,” said Rugby coach Jay McClintock Jr.

An Ice Hawks win would advance them into a semifinal showdown most likely with No. 2 Fargo Flyers this afternoon, March 6. A loss would have dropped them into consolation play tonight.

Rugby entered the tournament on a roll, winning its last 10 league games, and hoped to ride that wave of momentum into the program’s first championship game appearance. The Ice Hawks finished third last season.

Tournament host Grand Forks was the top seed. The Stallions last won the title two years ago. No. 2 Fargo Flyers and No. 3 Rugby are looked upon as strong challengers.

Regardless of this week’s games, the Ice Hawks program has had an impressive season. They have set program highs in league victories, home wins and overall victories.

Rugby’s roster includes: Pake Hagen, Aaron Teigen, Chris Fedje, Jacob McClintock, Jordon Kuhnhehnn, Shay Harmel, Keenan Sattler, Kyle Volk, Thomas Seaver, Parker Collins, Leo Hoffert, Tanner Lunde, Chris Seaver; Coaches: Jay McClintock, Bruce Gannarelli, Brian Selland