Sports

Amsbaugh, Grant to compete in Minnesota tourney

By Matthew Semisch

04/14/2015

Luke Amsbaugh’s and Noah Grant’s time on the Bottineau-Rugby (B-R) boys hockey team has come to a close, but their time playing together hasn’t.

The B-R seniors have been selected to play for Team North Dakota at the CCM National Invitational Tournament later this month in Plymouth, Minn. The annual showcase brings together some of the best high school-aged players from North Dakota, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Amsbaugh played last year for Team North Dakota at the tournament. Grant tried out for last year’s team but didn’t land on the final 20-man roster.

Both Amsbaugh and Grant enjoyed individual success during their final season of high school hockey. Amsbaugh finished as the state’s top scorer with 40 goals and 65 points, while Grant lit the lamp 28 times and ended with 51 points.

B-R head coach David Hoff is on the committee that oversees Team North Dakota’s operations. He believes Amsbaugh and Grant will relish the opportunities in front of them in Minnesota.

“I’m sure they’re thrilled to get another chance to play with each other a few more times here,” Hoff said, “but on top of that, it’s about playing with 18 other guys that are considered to be some of the best hockey players in their age group in North Dakota. 

“That makes it a fun opportunity, and you’re also playing against the top players from Minnesota, from Wisconsin, from Michigan, Massachusetts, so they’re going to be going up against some awfully good hockey players and play against some really good competition.”

This year’s Team North Dakota roster is filled with some of the top talent seen this last season. Fargo South-Shanley forward Tyler Bossert, this year’s “Mr. Hockey” as the state’s most outstanding senior athlete, will be expected to help lead the way.

Other former West Region stars to make their way onto Team North Dakota include Minot High forward Matt Flom and Bismarck Century forwards Alex Flicek and Keaton Leininger.

Team North Dakota will hold practice sessions next Tuesday and Wednesday in Grand Forks. The group will then head to Minnesota for the NIT tournament.

Games will be played between April 23-26. Team North Dakota will play against teams from Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin in pool play during the first three days of competiton.

April 26 will then see first-place, third-place, fifth-place and seventh-place games played.