DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Decatur Blaze hockey team is headed east for the national championship. 

Decatur residents helped send the team off Wednesday afternoon.

The Blaze will compete for the U-18 National Championship in Wayne, New Jersey, after finishing the season 31-7, which earned them the number one seed.

Tournament play will begin on March 27, and the team will face two of the top-ranked Canadian teams in their opening matchups.

The Blaze is encouraging fans to take part in a watch party beginning at 2:30 p.m. At Crawford's Pizza in Mt. Zion.

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