County Officials Honoring National Champs, Rome Grizzlies Tonight

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Rome Grizzlies, the national championship ice hockey team, will be honored this evening by the Oneida County Board of Legislators.The all girls team brought home the trophy after winning the 2011 National Championship. They beating the Wisconsin Ice Spirit 4 to 1 in Anaheim California.

County Executive Anthony Picente says their win was a proud moment for the community. "This is a girls 14 and under team, which really overcame all kinds of odds and became the national champions and I think it's something that we should recognize. We will have a ceremony tonight, present a certificate of proclamation for their day, and a sign to be placed in Rome as well, proclaiming it the home of the national champions," Picente said.

The County Executive says it's a great story because the team began their season as underdogs and ended their season as underdog and won the national championship. He said, "That's a lesson for everybody that despite the odds being against you and when people are not picking you--you can do whatever you really put your efforts toward." He added that the team and their coaches have a lot to be proud of and have made the community proud. The team finished the tournament with a 5 to 1 winning record. The special event is taking place this evening at 7:00 p.m., on the 10th floor of the Oneida County Office building.