North Dakota Youth Hockey Team Wins National Championship

Dickinson Mavericks player Collin Boltz helps Team North Dakota capture Tier II 16U 1A title at USA Hockey tournament

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:10am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the action and excitement of a youth hockey championship game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, the ice, and the trophy.A cubist interpretation of the triumphant moment when Team North Dakota captured the Tier II 16U 1A national championship, reflecting the raw energy and competitive spirit of youth hockey.Dickinson Today

Collin Boltz, a player for the Dickinson Mavericks high school hockey team, was part of the Team North Dakota squad that won the Tier II 16U 1A national championship at the 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier II 16U National Tournament in Irvine, California. Boltz, who set career highs during the 2025-26 high school season, played a key role as a third-line winger, contributing a goal and an assist in five tournament games as North Dakota cruised to the title with an undefeated record.

Why it matters

Winning a national championship is a major accomplishment for any youth hockey program, and this victory continues North Dakota's strong tradition in the sport. Boltz's selection to the team and his performance at the tournament also provides valuable exposure and experience that could help advance his hockey career as he heads into his junior season with the Dickinson Mavericks.

The details

Team North Dakota dominated the competition at the national tournament, winning all five of its games, including a 9-0 rout of Team Wyoming in the championship game. Boltz, who was playing in his first national tournament, noticed the slower pace of play compared to high school but was able to contribute offensively, scoring a goal against the Portland Jr. Winterhawks. North Dakota's depth and scoring balance were key factors in the team's title run.

  • The 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier II 16U National Tournament took place from March 23-29, 2026 in Irvine, California.
  • Team North Dakota won the championship game on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Collin Boltz

A player for the Dickinson Mavericks high school hockey team who set career highs in points, goals, and assists during the 2025-26 season. Boltz earned a spot on the Team North Dakota Tier II 16U squad and played a key role as a third-line winger, contributing a goal and an assist in the team's five tournament games.

Jared Cowden

The head coach of the Team North Dakota Tier II 16U squad that won the national championship.

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What they’re saying

“At the beginning, we were kind of nervous. The semi-final game was [we won] 4-2 and the team that we played in the championship beat them by three. So we were thinking that they were going to be a little better. But once we got that first goal, we just hammered them.”

— Collin Boltz, Player, Team North Dakota

“When he hits the net, there's a good chance it goes in, and then he plays a pretty heavy game too down in the corners and when he's attacking the puck. His play style definitely caught the eyes of a few people who were on the evaluating staff.”

— Jared Cowden, Head Coach, Team North Dakota

What’s next

Boltz will look to build on his national tournament experience as he heads into his junior season with the Dickinson Mavericks, hoping to continue his development and potentially earn a spot on the Tier I national team in the future.

The takeaway

This national championship victory showcases North Dakota's strength in youth hockey and the opportunities it provides for talented players like Collin Boltz to compete at the highest levels. Boltz's performance and the team's dominant run to the title will inspire other young hockey players in the state to strive for similar success.