The Rushmore Thunder boys Varsity played their first game at the USA Hockey High School National tournament on Wednesday in Plymouth Minnesota.  The Thunder beat the Springfield Jr Thunderbirds (MA) in a highly contested game 5-3. The Thunderbirds were the 2a Champions from 2023. The Thunderbirds struck first taking a 1-0 lead scoring with 12:12 left in the 1st. 

They took a 2-0 lead when they scored again with 12:02 left in the 2nd period. From that point the Thunder took over the game. Caeyn Howard broke the ice scoring with 4:48 left in the 2nd (assist Brixton Steen) making it 2-1. 

The 3rd period was all Thunder-scoring 4 goals. Brixton Steen scored back to back goals( assists from Colton Merchen, Andrew Welling) on both goals. The 4th goal was tallied by Bjorn Kristian Hanson (assist Jaxson Reeder). Cameron Ritter closed out the scoring for the Thunder with an empty net goal with 0:24 remaining in the 3rd. The Jr Thunderbirds did add a goal with 0:05 remaining on a deflected goal to make it a 5-3 final. Brody Lee was in net for the Thunder win making 22 saves. The Thunder boys will continue pool play games tomorrow at 9:15 CST vs the Colorado Coyotes.