Girls’ hockey looks to return stronger than ever before
This season holds more potential than ever with new leaders tying their skates
by Keturah Scott, Talon Staff Writer
Ten wins, 14 losses and two ties; that’s how the girls hockey team ended their season last year.
“I expect to have a team as good as last year and hopefully better,” said girls’ hockey head coach Evan Ziegler.
Minnehaha girls’ hockey combines with St. Agnes and St. Croix Lutheran to make one co-op team. Even though only two players come from St. Croix Lutheran and five from St. Agnes, every little bit helps. The team is thankful to have them on board because they add both numbers and talent to the team. .
To prepare for the season, the girls had an opportunity this summer to sign up for hockey training camps as a team. Also, in the months of June and July, the girls had time to practice and skate with their coach a few times a week.
In addition to going to the practices over the summer, “I shot pucks in a net and stick handled in the garage,” said sophomore Elleni Oberle.
Two weeks before the season started, captains Jenn Bazzachini and Sara Lind led practices after school each day.
The girls’ hockey season started quickly with their first game on Tuesday, November 15, against Kennedy, which they won, 2-1.
Bazzachini was especially looking forward to the rematch against Kennedy.
“I got a little riled up and took a pretty bad penalty so I can’t wait to get back out onto the ice with them,” said Bazzachini before the game.
Sophomore Samantha Mullinix also has a game in particular she is looking forward to.
“I can’t wait to play SPU because they are our rivals,” said Mullinix.
SPU is a combination of Visitation and St. Paul Academy.
Last year the girls lost three seniors. They lost one defensive player and two forwards, but only one of their four top scorers.
Last year senior Lauren Bazzachini, had fourteen points for the team; the other top scorers last year include a sophomore from St. Agnes, Sarah Lynn, a senior from St. Croix Lutheran, Jenna Privette, and a senior from Minnehaha Sara Lind.
Besides those three girls, there are about 14 returning varsity players.
“They were all very strong players and there definitely will be holes to fill,” said Ziegler.