In the battle of Playoff Champions, the NORCAL Playoff Champion Oakland Bears Midget 18 A team defeated the SCAHA Playoff Champion Pasadena Maple Leafs 5-3 in both teams' opening game of the CAHA State Championships.

The Bears, now 1-0, are one step closer to playing in Sunday's Midget 18 A State Championship game in San Jose - not an entirely unfamiliar situation as much of this year's team played in the Championship Game at the 16 A level, but ran out of steam, succumbing to the Orange County Hockey Club.

The Bears will play two games on Saturday, the first at 12:15PM versus NORCAL rival Capital Thunder and again at 9PM against the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. A win in either game all but guarantees the Bears will be playing for the State Championship on Sunday.

A reminder that admission is FREE so if you're available, head down to San Jose to cheer on the Bears!

GO BEARS!