The Potsdam Ice Storm 14U girls won the states in Buffalo and are headed for national championships in North Carolina.

Two St. Lawrence County hockey teams have beaten their rivals in New York State and are headed to separate national tournaments this coming week, and are raising funds to get the teams there and back.

The St. Lawrence Thunder Bantam Hockey Team will be to traveling to Charlotte, N.C. to represent New York State in The USA Hockey National Championships March 30 to April 4.

And the Potsdam Icestorm Girls 14U hockey team has advanced to the USA Hockey National Tournament in Burlington, Vt. March 30 to April 4.

A bottle drive is on through Sunday for the Thunder. People may drop off bottles and cans at 10 Lawrence Ave. in Potsdam, in the garage at the Garner Funeral Home. For pickup, call 244-2024 or 244-5141 to schedule the boys to get them.

“This is very hard working group of young men who are extremely excited to showcase their ability on the national level and appreciate all the support of their family, friends, fans and community,” Varney said.

And a Gofundme.com page has been set up for the Icestorm 14U team. “If the community would like to donate and help offset the cost of going to the tournament since the short turnaround between tournaments does not allow much time for fundraising, the web address is www.gofundme.com/potsdamicestorm,” said Kim Jones.

At the same time a bottle drive is being held through Wednesday, March 30 for the girls. Bottles and cans can be dropped off at C J’s Kegs Cases & More at 145 Market St., in the SeaComm Plaza.

The Thunder captured the NYS Tier II Title in the state championship in Buffalo on March 20.

The team is raising funds to help with travel and lodging expenses for the players while at the tournament. This year’s schedule has left a very short window for fundraising this year, according to Cory Varney.

The Thunder roster includes J. Brothers, C. Cartier, J. Collins, R. DiMatteo, C. Hooper, D. Jolley, N. Linstad, J. Mahoney, S. Morley, K. Rathbun, C. Rose, M. Sanchez, R. Southwick, D. Spinner, I. Testani, W. Varney, A. Vecchio and B. Wells representing the Brasher Falls, Canton, Ft. Covington, Ogdensburg, Massena and Potsdam communities.

The head coach is Bobby Smith of Massena who is assisted by Pam Mahoney, Russ Linstad and Chris Rose.

The Potsdam Icestorm girls went undefeated throughout the New York State Amateur Hockey Association Tier II championship tournament on March 20 in Buffalo.

At the state tournament, the Icestorm had wins over the Brewster Lady Bulldogs (4-0) , CNY Bobcats (6-1), and Monroe County Edge (4-3). They then played the Lady Islanders in the semi-finals and won 5-1, and again defeated the Monroe County Edge in the championship game, beating them in overtime 2-1.

The team comprises players from all over the North Country, including Sydney Andronica (Saranac Lake), Lydia Cantwell (Clayton), Caril Cartier (Fort Covington), Hannah Chilton (Massena), Mikayla Cipullo( Clayton), Madison Collette (Fort Covington), Olivia Hunter (Winthrop), Nikki Husinec (Canton), Rosie Jeneeault (Ogdensburg), Gabrielle Jones (Potsdam), Kylie Letham (Massena), Alana McDonald (Potsdam), Alex Quinn (Potsdam), Gisele Todd (Massena), Claire Tyo( Massena), Michelle White (North Bangor), Meg Wilmshurst (Massena), and Hannah Zenger (Parishville). Coaches are John Cipullo, Ernie Jenault and Casey Jones with Kim Jones and Angela Cipullo serving as team managers. The Icestorm is part of the Potsdam Junior Hockey Association.