SAN DIEGO — A San Diego high school hockey team is making history by becoming the first team in San Diego to advance to the USA Hockey National Championship.
“We’re just really excited to represent California," said team captain Matthew Matsuda.
The San Diego Central Jets are ready to show the country what they’re made of.
“We’re really amped for the opportunity. A lot of people looked down on us and kind of ride us off from the very start, but we’re ready to prove them wrong," added Matsuda.
“We’ve worked insanely hard for all of this," said junior player Ethan Newell.
“It’s really great to see all of our hard work pay off," said senior Max Wu.
“This is what we dreamed of to get to this level," added senior Ahad Biabani.
The team defeated St. Mary’s High School from Stockton in the State Championship to make it to the USA Hockey Division 1 High School National Championship in West Chester, Pennsylvania this March.
“The team that we lost to last year in the state finals, we actually had to play them again for state championship this year, so it was definitely a really important moment for us to beat them this year," said Wu.
“We’ve had a lot of challenges, and I’m really grateful for this opportunity," said junior BQ Dang.
The players have worked tirelessly to reach this point, becoming the first team in San Diego to make it to the National Championship.
“First San Diego team to ever go to nationals, I mean, this team is representing all of, not just hockey, but sports in San Diego," said sophomore Jeremy Adkins.
“It’s really good to finally make it to nationals," said sophomore Nathan Clark.
“You go outside and you ask people, and they’re like, where you from ... we’re like San Diego, and they don’t expect much from you but we come out there we do really good," said freshman, Bison Ha.
“To be here this year, it’s pretty surreal," said equipment manager Angel Lara.
The team is led by Head Coach and former San Diego Gulls Center Brad Belland.
“I’m just so excited for these boys they’re such a great group of kids. Just to see these kids take it to the next level is an absolute thrill. We’re hoping to bring the championship back and you know, maybe the mayor of San Diego will give us a parade," said Belland.
The USA Hockey Championship will be streamed live.
WATCH RELATED: Four young San Diegans make Western Select hockey team