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Esmark Stars U13 Player Earns MVP

By DWK, 08/26/14, 9:45AM EDT

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Edwards wins MVP at Keystone State Games

Hempfield Hockey Player wins Keystone Games MVP

By Kevin Lohman

Aiden Edwards wasn't even going to tryout for the Keystone State Games. That is, until a friend told the Hempfield 13-year-old about the games and recommended Edwards give it a shot.

“My friend Darick played in the games last year and said it was a lot of fun,” Edwards said. “So we thought we'd try out with some friends, and everything went well.”

Saying everything went well for Edwards at the Keystone State Games would be an understatement. Edwards, who attends Harrold Middle School and plays for the Hempfield Middle School team, stood out among his competition in the 13-and-under Pee Wee division by scoring four goals and four assists in three games on his way to being named tournament MVP.

Edwards, who played mostly at the center position for the West team, said his success in the games was a product of playing with great teammates.

“I played on a really good line, which definitely helped,” Edwards said. “I've played with one of the wingers that was on my line before, and that made things a little easier.”

Although the teams in the Keystone State Games are composed of hockey players from across the state, Edwards knew many of the players participating from his time with the U13 Esmark Stars AAA team. His familiarity with the other players served as a comfort and a motivator.

“There was a bunch of players that I've played against before, and it was great to get to play against them again,” Edwards said. “The first game we played was against a few players from a team that's one of our rivals. That helped get me ready.”

The extra motivation certainly helped Edwards and his West team as they defeated the South team in their first KSG matchup 6-3. Edwards made his presence felt early, by assisting on the first goal and then scoring one himself in the second period.

Next, the West dropped a close game against the East, 6-5. Edwards scored a goal in the third period to help lead a late offensive flurry, but it would fall short as the East team emerged victorious.

In his team's final game, Edwards spearheaded an offensive onslaught by scoring two goals and tallying two assists in an 11-0 win against the Central team. The West team finished second in the Keystone State Games. Edwards was pleased with the results, and says he is excited to keep working hard to get ready for tougher competition once he graduates the eighth grade next year.

“I think I played well,” Edwards said. “I'm going to keep my hands full with hockey. I just want to keep doing my best and let everything else play out.”

Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.