The temperatures recently dropped in Wisconsin and it feels like hockey season is finally upon us. In New Hope, Minnesota on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, USA Hockey’s NTDP 17 visited to play the Upper Midwest Elite League (UMEL) All Star team. The UMEL is a fall league of high school players primarily from Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. Team Wisconsin U18 is a member of the prestigious league.

Two WIAA players competed in the games, Jackson Hoem and Drew Schock. Jackson Hoem, currently in 12th grade and one of the team captains for Chippewa Falls, played for the UMEL All Star team. Former WIAA player, Drew Schock, 11th grade, was an all-state and conference player of the year on Notre Dame’s 2023 WIAA state championship team, currently plays for NTDP 17 and is committed to play for University of Michigan Wolverines.

The two games were fiercely competitive. NTDP won 4-2 Saturday, and 4-3 in overtime on Sunday. It was end-to-end action in both games. The puck movement and skating were impressive, and the goalies on both teams made some exceptional saves. NTDP never trailed during the weekend, but in Sunday’s game UMEL All Stars tied it up in the third and forced OT. NTDP scored in OT and completed the weekend sweep.

It was a tremendous weekend of hockey. We can be proud of our Wisconsin players, Jackson Hoem and Drew Schock!