Hockey recently capped off their season, placing third in the 2011 USA National Championships, which concluded March 27. Wins over North Broward, Fla; Stone Bridge, Va.; and Skyline, Utah, guaranteed the Mustangs a spot in the quarterfinals. The team fell in the quarterfinal game, losing 1-2 in sudden death overtime against eventual champion Southlake Carroll, Texas.

Forward Casey Barile, senior, said the experience was rewarding.

“I was really excited because I was able to play with my friends one last time before I graduated,” Barile said. “That was the best part. We beat a lot of teams that we weren’t expected to win against.”

In order to beat these high-caliber teams, defenseman Sam Turner, junior, said the Mustangs had to put in a lot of work.

“Prior to the tournament, the team practiced about three or four days a week,” Turner said. “I put in 110 percent effort even when we didn’t have practice in order to help my stamina and endurance.”

Turner said it was not only hard work, but also experience that helped the team do well at nationals. Turner competed in the same tournament last year, where the Mustangs didn’t fare as well.

“I was pretty excited because I went last year so I was more prepared for it and I knew what to expect” Turner said.

Barile said that despite the change in level of play from their regular season Mid-States opponents, the team was able to keep strong through close friendships.

“The whole team is a fun group of guys and we all get along really well,” Barile said. “It’s like I’m playing with 12 brothers or so.”

When the “brothers” found out they qualified for nationals after what they said was a relatively short season, they were ecstatic.

“We had a great season, but it ended way too early,” forward Dominic Costa, junior, said. “So when we found out we got to go to nationals, we were all excited.”

Since their appearance at nationals, the Mustangs have been holding spring practices and making early team assignments to fine tune their game.

The Mustangs added the bronze medal to their collection of honors, which includes the 2011 silver skate, a game that entails bragging rights which is annually played against their rival, the Lancers. The Mustangs were able to win the final game against the Lancers 7 to 1. The Mustangs finished with an area record of 17-4.

Barile said he has high hopes for next year’s team.

“Even though I won’t be there, I know the team will do great,” Barile said.