Park City Miners Red dominate East 10-1, reach state title game

A dominant Park City victory sent the Miners Red to the state championship after a 10-1 semifinal win over East at the County Ice Center in Murray. The lopsided result gives Park City two chances to secure what would be a third straight state title in the Utah prep hockey tournament.

The victory on Jan. 23 was decisive from the opening whistle. Park City scored four times before the first period was halfway through, extended the lead to 5-0 in the second period, and then finished the game with four third-period goals after East’s lone response. Carson Owen and Pierce Adams each scored two goals and Luke Stocker set up three goals with a hat trick of assists. Goalie Alex Harhi started in net for Park City and faced limited pressure as the Miners Red escaped without penalty trouble or suspensions.

“It just felt like we were firing on all cylinders right off the bat,” Miners Red Head Coach Mike Adamek said about Wednesday’s semifinal victory. “They never really got a chance to get into the game.” Adamek added context on individual performances and depth play. “Alex (Harhi) had another really good game. Carson Owen is, I think, one of our best players overall and was the best player on the ice (on Wednesday); he was noticeable. I’m sure a random East student probably noticed how good Carson Owen was. So, those guys really stepped up.”

Park City’s season has threaded a clear narrative of growth and rivalry. The Miners Red’s lone loss of the season came Oct. 6 on the road against East, and the teams met again Nov. 19 with Park City winning 11-1 at home. The double-elimination format of the Utah school-affiliated prep tournament gives Park City a cushion; the Miners Red will face the winner of East and Brighton Navy, who meet in Monday’s consolation final. The state champion will likely represent Utah at prep hockey nationals, an outcome the program has in its sights after reaching last season’s national quarterfinals.

Adamek stressed process over opponents as Park City prepares for the title game. “The way we’re playing right now, if we were playing the New York Rangers, I wouldn’t be concentrating on them,” he said. “As long as our team is playing how we have been playing for the last three or four games, we don’t necessarily (need to) worry too much about the opponent until game day.”

Beyond on-ice results, the run has broad community implications in Summit County. Strong performances boost youth hockey enrollment, local volunteerism and fundraising that support rink time, travel costs and concussion training for young players. Adamek urged Park City to show up in Murray, noting the value of playing in front of peers: “This year’s team is phenomenal, last year’s team was phenomenal, so I’m a lucky man. Playing in front of your peers is fun, that’s part of why you play high school hockey. So yes, we’re hoping for a huge turnout and that Park City shows up for us. … If you only go to one game all year, even though it’s in Murray, you’re going to be able to watch us hopefully win the title and lift a state trophy.”

The next chapter arrives Wednesday when Park City plays for the state crown. For Parkites, the game is more than sport: it is a chance to rally around young athletes, support local programs that promote youth health and inclusion, and potentially send another Utah team to the national stage.