The 2013 Indiana Elite AAA Hockey Team went undefeated to claim the top division in their age group at the CCM World Invite. Hamilton Heights Middle School student, Case Rynearson, pictured far right standing next to head coach Dakota Eveland, helped power the team to victory. (Photo illustration provided)
Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Hamilton Heights Middle School student Case Rynearson recently made history as a member of the 2013 (12u) Indiana Elite AAA Hockey Team, which became the first IE team ever to win the prestigious Tacks Division at the 200 x 85 CCM World Invite Tournament in Chicago.
The tournament featured 531 teams from across the U.S. and internationally, with over 1,200 games played in just three days. Rynearson’s team went undefeated at 6-0, one of only 17 teams to do so, clinching the championship in a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Tri-Valley Bulls of California.
Rynearson, who is in his first year with Indiana Elite, contributed to the weekend’s success with a goal, an assist, and several shots on goal. The team’s performance has catapulted them to No. 50 in the national rankings out of more than 1,700 ranked PeeWee (12u) teams.
“This was the best I played all weekend,” Rynearson said, reflecting on the championship game. “We go hard every game. No way we were going home before the final.”
Beyond the rink, Rynearson is a standout student and multi-sport athlete. He runs cross country and track and has earned straight A’s every year.
“That might be what we’re most proud of,” said his mother, Kelly Rynearson. “He’s dedicated, humble, and gives his all – whether it’s in the classroom or on the ice.”
Rynearson has been playing competitive hockey since the age of five, including four years with the Jr. Fuel AA travel team. His current team includes players from across Indiana and one from Illinois, with 18 athletes on the roster.
“Our team goal is to be in the top 30 this year,” Rynearson said. “We’re doing it.”
Assistant Coach Jim Hansen praised the team’s performance as “special, exceptional, and unprecedented,” noting that to his knowledge, this is the first time an Indiana Elite team has won the Tacks Division.
Hamilton Heights celebrates Rynearson’s achievement and applauds his commitment to excellence in all areas of life. His story is a reminder that student success takes many forms – and that Huskies shine both on and off the field.
