The U10 White team competed in the Congressional Cup Fall Classic on Columbus Day weekend. The kids played six games in three days at the Ashburn Ice House and Ion International Training Center. The Patriots made quick work of the teams they faced in the preliminary rounds. They beat the New Jersey Devils, Union Thunder, Jersey Colts and Jersey Penguins by a combined score of 37-1. The big wins were a product of balanced scoring, suffocating defense and clutch goaltending.

The Patriots faced off against the Jersey Colts in the semi final game which featured an epic battle of wills. The two teams brought a 1-1 tie into the third period of a nail biting affair. Veteran James Burns scored with 8 minutes to go and there was a bit of relief as they took a 2-1 lead. However, the Colts went on a power play in the last two minutes of the game. The Colts pulled their goalie for a 6 vs 4 advantage with a minute to go. The Patriots withstood the challenge and hemmed the Colts in their own zone until the final buzzer.

The Championship game pitted the 5-0 Patriots against the 5-0 Atlanta Ice Bandits. The Ice Bandits outscored their opponents 32-6 leading up to the pivotal contest. Nerves were frayed after losing one of their top forwards to injury in the preliminary rounds. Coach Henry tapped Logan Colantoni to fill in at center and he did not disappoint. Colantoni scored the first goal of the game three minutes into the second period. The teams exchanged blows as Burns and Marm scored. The Patriots led 3-2 halfway through the third period. Tullo made some spectacular saves to keep the Bandits at bay. Marm and Schumacher scored late in the third to ice the game and bring the Championship banner back to Dale City.

The coaches and families are so proud of these players for their camaraderie, sportsmanship, hard work and dedication. They have come very far in a short period of time. Great things lie ahead!