Girls Hockey Class 1A Preview

Mirage, Warriors set for battle

There is no shortage of metro area teams ready to contend for a state title in '21-22, but the teams to beat in Class A still reside up north, with defending champion Proctor/Hermantown and two-time champion Warroad atop our Class 1A pre-season rankings.

Here is how we see things in Class 1A:

1. Warroad Warriors

Coming off a 20-2-0 season in which they lost to Proctor/Hermantown 3-1 in the state semifinals, the Warriors take comfort in knowing that three of their top four scorers return this year and goaltender Kendra Nordick (.936 SV%) is back for her senior season.

Talya Hendrickson (17-36 - 53), Madison Lavergne (22-21 - 43) and Kate Johnson (21-20 - 41) make for a high-powered offensive attack that will be tough for any team to stop. On defense, Warroad allowed just a goal per game last year, while killing off over 88% of opponents' power play chances. A Section 8A title and a return trip to St. Paul is a near certainty.

2. Proctor/Hermantown Mirage

Proctor/Hermantown's Hannah Graves.  photo: Mike Lieb

The defending champs will be a threat to win it all again, but overcoming the loss of some elite talent to graduation figures to be a sizeable hurdle in 2022. Filling the void left by graduates Alyssa Watkins and Ella Anick (Bemidji State), Macy Sieger (Hamline) and Aurora Opsahl (St. Ben's) will be no small feat.

Junior Nya Sieger (12-25 - 37) is the top returning scorer, and she'll get help from sophomores Izy Fairchild (18-17 - 35) and Hannah Graves (17-14 - 31). On defense, returnees Sophie Parendo (1-18 - 19) and Ava Anick (0-9 - 9) will work to solidify the blue line group. The Mirage rotated goalies last year, and this year will have to rely more heavily on senior Abby Pajari (.954 SV%). Proctor/Hermantown is still the heavy favorite to win Section 7A and return to St. Paul to defend their title.

3. Orono Spartans

  Photo: Mike Lieb

The Spartans finished 13-6-1 last season and a gut-wrenching OT loss to Chisago Lakes in the 5A final is all that kept Orono out of the state tournament. Coach Sean Fish isn't vague about their aspirations; “Our goal coming into the year is to make it to the state tournament for the first time in school history,” he says.

Having lost just three seniors to graduation means the Spartans - though still very young - will have lots of veteran talent on their side. “We might still be young but we have a lot of experience and high expectations,” says Fish.

The Spartans return seven of their top 11 scorers from a year ago, led by seniors Iyla Ryskamp (23-16 - 39), who will play at Sacred Heart next year, and Kailey Niccum (16-15 - 33), a player “who can score from anywhere,” according to Fish.

Sophomores Alexa Niccum (9-17 - 26), Kaeli Koopman (10-12 - 22) and Zoe Lopez (5-10 - 15) should be big contributors for the Spartans. In goal, Orono has stand-out Celia Dahl (.922 SV%) back for her junior year. “Celia is awesome,” Fish says, “we expect a lot from her again this year.”

4. Mound Westonka White Hawks

The 'Hawks were cruising along last year at 7-0-0 when COVID forced some cancellations in mid-February. The team came back and, despite a couple of hiccups, won Section 2A and made it to St. Paul. In the quarterfinals, they let Chisago Lakes rally for two late, third-period goals and lost a game they were in good position to win.

This year, The White Hawks move into Section 5A with a potent offense that makes them one of the favorites. They bring back all but two of their top scorers, led by juniors Sydney Leonard (19-16 - 35) and Gretta Pioske (15-11 - 26). Sophomore Camryn Hargreaves (11-12 - 23) also figures to be a big contributor. Senior Montana Courneya (2-15 - 17) leads the defense and last year's back-up goalie Ashlyn Roth (.950 SV%) should step in capably between the pipes.

5. Chisago Lakes Wildcats

If last year is any indication, there may be no better team in the clutch than the Wildcats. Beginning in the Section 5A semifinals, Chisago Lakes went on a one-goal victory binge that took them to the brink of playing for the championship. They beat Breck 3-2, then Orono 3-2, followed by a 4-3 win over Mound Westonka in the state quarterfinals. Their luck ran out against Gentry Academy, but the Wildcats were as resilient as any team in Class 1A last season.

Of course, much of that one-goal magic had to do with senior forward Jenna Lawry (29-28 - 57), who now skates for UMD. Despite the loss of Lawry, the Wildcats remain a top 1A team. This year's team is led by two explosive forwards: Mankato Maverick commit Dani Burgen (27-26 - 53) and Dani Brunette (12-21 - 33), who will join Lawry in Duluth following this season.

Seven Wildcat seniors graduated in all, including top goalie Anna Hanson (.911 SV%), so there are some vacancies to fill as the 'Cats move into Section 4A. And while there may be questions on defense, if the game is close, don't bet against the 'Cats.

6. South St. Paul Packers

Smooth-skating defender Lilie Ramirez of South St. Paul.  Photo: Mike Lieb

The Packers were another team that played plenty of 2A competition last season, and that experience nearly helped lift them to a huge upset of Gentry Academy in the Class 4A championship game. It took a late third period goal by the Stars to finally put away SSP, 5-4. And among the team's seven losses, four were by one goal.

“We always set the bar high,” says head coach Dave Palmquist, who didn't shy away from playing a tough schedule again this season, including dates with some of the top 2A schools.

So, despite graduating defender Makenna Deering (14-12 - 26), a Bemidji State recruit, the Packers enter the new season with lots of reasons for optimism. Junior Sarah Wincentsen (8-7 - 15) is among four veteran returnees who will be counted on for offense.

But the Packers biggest strength appears to be on defense, starting with Minnesota State commit Lilie Ramirez (7-15 - 22), who coach Dave Palmquist calls “the smoothest-skating defender in my time coaching.” Ninth grader Lily Tachl will help fortify the blueline and two-time all-state goaltender Delaney Norman (.937 SV%) looks to have a great junior year. “I feel a lot better on the bench having her back there,” says Palmquist.

With Gentry Academy having moved up in class, the Packers now must get past new section 4A member Chisago Lakes in order to punch their ticket to St. Paul.

7. Holy Angels Stars

Set for a potential breakout season is Holy Angels. The Stars were 9-6-0 last year and have all of their top scorers back, with just two seniors departing. AHA is defensive minded, having allowed fewer than two goals per game last year. The Stars also killed off a stellar 93% of opponents' power play opportunities.

Sophomores Bella LaMere (12-11 - 23) and Audrey Garton (8-6 - 14) will lead the offense, along with senior Ella Clow (6-10 - 16). In goal, the Stars have senior Celeste Rimstad (.930 SV%), who provides an excellent last line of defense. If Holy Angels can get their offense rolling, look out!

8. Simley Spartans

With sophomore sniper Ella Tuccitto (16-5 - 21) leading the way, Simley heads into the new season with high hopes. Though they struggled last year to score goals, averaging just 2.5 per game, the Spartans were competitive with many highly ranked teams, finishing 11-7-0 and losing in the section 4A semifinals to Gentry Academy.

Well, they don't have to worry about Gentry in their section any more, and four of the top five scorers are back for the new season. Defender Kelsi Ries (7-6 - 13) is a sophomore standout, and the Spartans killed off 91% of opponents power play chances. Primary goaltender Makenzie Gibson (.912 SV%) is back for her senior season, and it looks to be a good one for the Spartans.

9. River Lakes Stars

The River Lakes Stars were the breakthrough story of last season. River Lakes advanced to the state tournament for the first time and asserted themselves quite well, despite falling to Gentry Academy in the quarterfinals, 4-1. The Stars finished the season 13-6-2 and enter the new season with realistic sights on a return trip to St. Paul.

Kianna Roeske (13-7 - 20), a Minnesota State commit, is back for her senior year and she led the team in scoring from the blueline. The Stars will have to find some offense to replace seven departed seniors. Freshman goalie Kaydence Roeske (.932 SV%) was outstanding as an eighth grader. River Lakes will be among the favorites for the Section 6A title.

10. Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers

The Hilltoppers went 14-5-0 last season and now must try and make it through each week without Friday. Maren Friday, to be precise. The skilled, do-it-all defender moved on to Union College following a 45-point senior season. That means forwards Meredith Boettcher (17-22 - 39) and Ilsa Lindaman (14-14 - 28) will be counted on heavily for leadership and production. The Proctor/Hermantown Mirage again stand in their way in Section 7A.

The Next 10:

11. Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets

The Bluejackets will try and bounce back after COVID derailed their season last year.

12. Clouquet-Esko-Carleton Lumberjacks

Senior Dana Jones (18-3 - 21) heads up the offense for the Lumberjacks.

13. Breck Mustangs

A mass-exodus of players and a new coaching staff has the four-time champs rebuilding.

14. Willmar Cardinals

Kessa Mara and Nina Dawson instigate the offense, Halle Mortenson returns in goal (.887 SV%).

15. New Ulm Eagles

Eagles lose just two from a 16-4-0 squad. Senior Maddi O'Connor (27-14 - 41) scores in bunches.

16. Luverne Cardinals

Future MSU Maverick Kamryn Van Batavia (47-40 - 87) and senior Reghan Bork (28-41 - 69) keep the goals coming.

17. Fergus Falls Otters

The Otters are fueled by junior Maddie Hulter (16-11 - 27) and senior Piper Andrews (14-9 - 23).

18. Thief River Falls Prowlers

Jenae Johnson, Gretchen Cota and Bella Amiot will spark the Prowler's offense.

19. Minneapolis

Junior forwards Celia Midtbo (15-10 - 25) and Ana Davis (6-11 - 17) drive the 612 attack.

20. Albert Lea Tigers

Lucy Stay (17-5 - 22) and Esther Yoon (5-12 - 17) are top seniors. Freshman Shelby Evans (13-3 - 16) can score.