Youth Hockey Team to Play in Tournament After Deadly Crash

SC Flyers 12U girls team will compete despite losing a teammate in I-70 collision

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31am

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Three members of the SC Flyers, a 12U girls hockey team from California, were involved in a deadly crash on I-70 in Colorado on Thursday morning. Despite the tragedy, the team has chosen to play in a tournament this weekend in Littleton, honoring their fallen teammate.

Why it matters

The decision by the SC Flyers to continue with the tournament despite the loss of one of their own highlights the resilience and strength of the youth sports community, as they come together to support each other in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The details

The crash involved the team's van, a CDOT snowplow, and two other vehicles. The driver of the van, who was the father of one of the players, died at the scene. One juvenile was critically injured, and several other players and adults were transported to the hospital with various injuries. Despite the tragedy, the team has chosen to play in the tournament, saying they will be "short-benched" but that every goal and save will have "special meaning."

  • The crash occurred on Thursday morning on I-70 in Clear Creek County.
  • The SC Flyers' first tournament game is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on Friday.

The players

SC Flyers

A 12U girls hockey team from Santa Clarita, California.

Prescott Littlefield

President of the SC Flyers hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“I have already had close to a dozen rivals, people that – on a normal Sunday – the girls are going head-to-head, and everybody's yelled at each other. Everybody's reached out with nothing but support and compassion and said, 'Hey, what can I do? How can I help?'”

— Prescott Littlefield, SC Flyers President (9news.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the plow driver out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragedy highlights the resilience and strength of the youth sports community, as the SC Flyers team chooses to honor their fallen teammate by competing in the tournament, showing the power of teamwork and camaraderie in the face of unimaginable loss.