“The State of Hockey” took on a whole new meaning for a group of AVHS students last Sunday, January 31st.

The first annual Apple Valley Charity Hockey Tournament took place at Highview Heights Park in Lakeville, and participants raised $300 for charity.

The idea came from the mind of Apple Valley junior Jack Rosenthal, who was inspired by outdoor hockey tournaments his brother played in with friends years ago.

“I wanted to do the same thing, but on a larger scale,” said Rosenthal.

The event was organized through Twitter, where students submitted a team roster as well as the charity they would play for. If their team won, all the money raised would be donated to their charity of choice.

A round robin tournament ensued, followed by a bracketed elimination round to determine the champion and the charity.

For senior Jacob DeWall’s winning team, the charity had a personal connection.

His team chose to donate to Austin’s Angels–a fund dedicated to the memory of DeWall’s cousin, who tragically passed away in a car accident three years ago. Austin’s Angels helps provide scholarships to underprivileged youth to allow them to participate in travelling athletics, particularly soccer.

“Once we all heard it was for charity, we thought ‘Hey, why not?’” DeWall said.

Even though temperatures were in the high 30s and the ice wasn’t in the best condition, DeWall insists it was for the best.

“It kind of made for a better game, a more fun game,” he said.

As Rosenthal looks back, he declares his first charity tournament a success.

“I think it went great,” Rosenthal said. “For the first year, it went really well, and I hope I’m more successful next year.”