DAHA 41 Lumber 14U goaltender Jude Fornetti gets in position to defend a Negaunee shot Saturday at Mountain View Ice Arena. (Ron Deuter photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson Amateur Hockey Association 41 Lumber 14U team hosted Negaunee in a pair of games Saturday at Mountain View Ice Arena, falling to the Miners 8-1 and 4-0.

The Iron Kings roster is composed of DAHA players as well as skaters from Manistique and Munising, and despite having only two opportunities so far to practice as a full team, the group of 13 and 14 year olds has been showing improvement each week.

“This is a team who’s very start had a diverse background with a fantastic group of kids who are all starting to really find each other and make big strides,” head coach Ben Ryan said after Saturday’s games.

In the first game Saturday, 41 Lumber held Negaunee to just one goal through two periods. Eiza Lee put the Iron Kings on the board in the third period with his first goal of the season, but the Miners pulled ahead after that.

Game two was scoreless through one, before Negaunee took command. The Iron Kings pulled together making passes and firing several shots but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Ryan awarded Hannah Deuter one of the two the “Left It All on the Ice Jersey” following the game for her hard work and smart defensive plays, as the defense spoiled several of Negaunee’s advances. Lee proudly wore the other jersey postgame for his hard work and positive attitude.

The Iron Kings sit at 4-10 on the season.

“No matter what, this group, I believe, has learned, made new friendships that will last a lifetime, and learned the lesson of ‘never give up’ no matter what the odds are or the situation is,” Ryan noted. “Trust has become a foundation for this team and I think it’s something we will continue to build upon for future growth and success. I’m honored and proud to be a part of this whole process. The only thing we’ve guaranteed this season is the kids will learn and will have fun. And I believe that is happening.”

The Iron Kings play Keweenaw Bay at Mountain View Ice Arena Saturday, Dec. 28 at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. The games are free of charge and open to the general public.