Fox Motors wins 18U Championships!!
Fox Motors Claims 18U Championship with Gritty Win Over Sioux Falls Power
BLAINE, MN – Fox Motors are the 2025 18U Tier 1 Elite League Champions, securing the Commissioner’s Cup with a 3-2 victory over Sioux Falls Power in a thrilling Championship Final on February 17 at NSC Rink 6. Fox Motors controlled the game early, held off a late surge from Sioux Falls, and sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
First Period – Fox Motors Takes the Early Lead
Fox Motors got on the board first at 1:22 (15:38 elapsed time) when Andrew Fabry (#17) found the back of the net, assisted by Logan Martinelli (#59) and Nolan O’Brien (#4), giving Fox a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Sioux Falls responded with strong offensive pressure, outshooting Fox Motors 11-6, but goaltender Caden Meringa (#11) was rock solid in net, keeping Sioux off the board.
Second Period – Fox Motors Extends Their Lead
Fox Motors doubled their lead at 2:15 (14:45 elapsed time) when Landon Carpenter (#16) finished a setup from Bradley Backen (#10) and Robert Glentz Jr. (#37), putting Fox up 2-0.
Sioux Falls continued to push, generating 13 second-period shots, but Meringa stood tall again, keeping the 2-0 lead intact heading into the final frame.
Third Period – Late Drama as Fox Holds On
Sioux Falls finally broke through at 1:47 (15:13 elapsed time) when Cam Alt (#20) buried a goal off an assist from Ville Schoenborg (#6), cutting the deficit to 2-1 and shifting the momentum.
With Sioux Falls pressing for the equalizer and pulling their goalie in the final minutes, Fox Motors capitalized with an empty-net goal at 00:17 (16:43 elapsed time) as Matthew Ostrander (#7) put the game out of reach, making it 3-1.
Sioux Falls managed one last tally at 00:01 (16:59 elapsed time) as Charles Norris III (#7) scored off assists from Carson Young (#27) and Easton Rooney (#37), but it was too little, too late. The final buzzer sounded, and Fox Motors celebrated as the 2025 18U Champions.
Key Takeaways
Fox Motors controlled the pace early, with Fabry and Carpenter setting the tone. Meringa’s stellar goaltending and Ostrander’s empty-net dagger proved decisive, as Fox held off Sioux Falls’ final push.
Sioux Falls showed resilience and offensive pressure late, but Fox’s early lead and defensive composure secured the 3-2 victory.
With this Commissioner’s Cup win, Fox Motors are the 2025 18U Tier 1 Elite League Champions, capping off their dominant playoff run with a championship performance.
