Three SHS Students Help White Plains Hockey Team Capture State Championship

The White Plains Plainsmen 16U hockey team won the state championship on March 21-22, 2026 in Amherst, New York.

On their way to the state final, the Plainsmen had a big 2-1 win in the semi-final against the Watertown Wolves on Sunday morning. Then, in the state final that Sunday afternoon the Plainsmen had a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Rochester Aces.

Against Rochester, the score stood at 2-2 going into the dying seconds of the third period. With 1.5 seconds left in regulation time, White Plains Junior Chris Larosa picked up a loose puck in front of the net and scored to give the Plainsmen a 3-2 lead and an eventual victory. The state championship game came down to the final seconds and White Plains won it with 1.5 seconds left in the game. Absolute craziness!

This championship win was a testament to the hard-work, dedication, determination, commitment and character of the players, coaches and even supporters of the team. This win was big for the entire community and White Plains Plainsmen organization. This is a moment that will never be forgotten amongst the players, coaches, parents and the entire organization.

The team includes players from around Southern Westchester. Most of the players on the team are students at White Plains High School, while some attend Pleasantville and Dobbs Ferry and all play for their schools respective varsity teams.

SHS juniors Sebastion Oades, Jack Capobianco and Max HarrisonSHS juniors Sebastion Oades, Max Harrison and Jack Capobianco play on this team and also played on Scarsdale's varsity hockey team this past winter,  Early on, they played together with the Scarsdale Youth Hockey Association. This season, they all decided to play on White Plains and quickly became instant members of the team. This past tournament and throughout the season, they have played on the same line together and have come to be known as the “Scarsdale” line.

Along with the three players on the team that go to SHS the team's head coach Chris Mignardi works for the town of Scarsdale. His son, Vincent is a goalie on the team.

Mignardi was the head coach and the team consisted of three assistant coaches who all have an unwavering love for the sport and the Plainsmen organization.

Following their state championship victory Sunday night in Buffalo, the team traveled back to Westchester where they were honored on Monday evening at Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains. White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch was in attendance as well as many athletes, coaches and parents for the end of year family skate.

Mayor Brasch said a few words and then the championship banner for the 16U team was raised to the rafters where it will be etched into history. The banners for the 10U and 12U HVHL championships were also raised along with the 16U team that won the state championship.

During Mayor Brasch’s speech, he declared March 23rd as Plainsmen Hockey Day. It was a nice ceremony and a great opportunity for the state championship winning team along with the other championship winning teams to get honored and recognized.Head Coach Chris Mignardi (pictured far left) with assistant coaches Dan Fendler (picture second to the right) and Walter Pozo (far right) with White Plains varsity hockey coach Howie Rubenstein

The win will be a moment that will never be forgotten.