The 12-under Reston Raiders PeeWee AA Blue youth ice hockey team will represent the state of Virginia at the upcoming U.S. National Championships, which will take place at Northern Virginia venues in Reston and Ashburn. Members of the Blue, front row, left to right: Max Cichanowicz, Trent Pratt; second row - Will Sterrett, Chris Weiss, Alex Cleveland, Ryan Hemlinger, Liam Kelly and John Cardellicchio; third row - Chad Constantine, Kevin Wang, Robert Holmberg, Evan Guidi, John Malks and Jason Calem; fourth row - Kevin Shaffer, Peter Regan, Richie Santry and Aiden Wheeler. The team’s coaches are Jim Cardellicchio, Art Santry, Rick Sterrett, Dave Regan and Chris Kelly. Courtesy Photo
The Reston Raiders PeeWee AA Blue team has had a season of exceeding expectations. Coached by Dave Regan, the locals amassed 24 points and put together an 11-7-2 record in the competitive CBHL. The Raiders’ season will continue on as they were honored by a selection to represent Virginia at the 12-under U.S. National Championships, set to take place here at home (Ashburn and Reston) from March 28 through April 1.
The tournament will consist of 38 of the best Tier II teams in the U.S., including state champions from Florida to Connecticut and Vermont, as well as Alaska, California, and Arizona and others. All of the Reston Blue players are from Northern Virginia, including Vienna, Fairfax, Reston, McLean, Great Falls, and Prince William County. Local fans are encouraged to come out and support these local athletes as they play for a National title.
One member of the Reston Raiders team is Chris Weiss, son of nationally renowned figure skating star and former Olympian Michael Weiss. Michael grew up and trained in Fairfax and later trained in Reston. He, Chris and the rest of the Weiss family currently reside in McLean. Michael runs a foundation to support Olympic hopefuls.