The Waterloo Warriors returned home to a huge 'Welcome Home' crowd after winning the Midwest High School Hockey League Championship. The Warriors defeated the Sioux City Metros 2-1 for the title.

Waterloo Warriors wins 2017 State Title (Courtesy: Waterloo Warriors via Facebook)
Waterloo Warriors wins 2017 State Title (Courtesy: Waterloo Warriors via Facebook)
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The Metros applied heavy pressure during the opening period of the championship game, but Waterloo's defensive play was up to the challenge. Sioux City forced Waterloo to play a majority of the opening period in the Warriors defensive end.

Waterloo goalie Dawson Sturch made some outstanding saves, and he received some heads up play by his defensive teammates to help clear the puck. It was that outstanding play that kept the game a 0-0 tie as the first period came to an end.

During the first intermission, Waterloo made a series of adjustments, and the second period was a much more balanced game. The Warriors and the Metros traded quality chances until Waterloo finally put the puck into the back of the net. Kyle Schott was able to speed past the Sioux City defense and scored a breakaway goal. That gave Waterloo a 1-0 lead 6:20 into the second frame.

The Metros were able to even things thanks to Reese McDonald's goal at 13:36 into the second period.

Things tightened up as the third period began. Both teams fought for the go-ahead goal, but defensive play dominated the game throughout the first half of the third period.

With time expiring in the third period, Waterloo broke the game open. Working to kill of a penalty, Cade Saeugling was able to breakaway with the puck. As he made his way towards the goalie, he was taken out by a Metros skater. Saeugling was awarded a penalty shot with 1:16 left in regulation. Saeugling was able to put the puck over the left shoulder of Sioux City's goalie Blake Beller.

That proved to be the winning goal as Waterloo held off the Sioux City Metros for the 2-1 win a the state championship.

Waterloo Warriors goalie Dawson Sturch was also named as the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Relive the Championship Game Courtesy of the
Sioux City Metros Youtube Live Stream

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