2013-14 girls hockey season previews

By Ben Pherson, <a href="mailto:bpherson@postbulletin.com">bpherson@postbulletin.com</a>

November 12, 2013 at 1:40 AM

CENTURY

Head coach: Dan Maidl, eighth season.

Assistant coaches:Jessica Kiner-Hughes, Tom Aney, Luke Hughes, Masood Dehnavifar, Tom Bradley.

Last season:14-10-1 overall, 12-5-1 in Big Nine. Lost to Dodge County in 1AA playoffs.

Who's gone:Rebecca Lorsung, Markayle Schears.

Top returners:Katie Aney, Jessie Aney, Frankie Mickelson, McKenna Bridges, Makenzie Birkestrand, Ashley Adams, Grace Becker, Maddie Eischen and Anna Grinde.

Top newcomers:Kelsey Miller, Maddie Leqve and Maddie O'Grady.

Team strengths:Scoring punch, speed, depth at all positions. Top two lines and top three defensemen all return.

Team weaknesses:Not very physical.

Coach Maidl's thoughts:"We have another year under our belts and only had two graduate from last years 14-10-1 team. We believe we can improve significantly on that record. There will be a

tough race at the top of the conference and there should be many great games played. Section wise, Dodge County proved last season that hockey here is getting better every year and hopefully can give the Lakeville schools a run for the state tournament."

ROSTER

Seniors — Katie Aney, Grace Becker, Maddie Eischen, Shelby Gosse-Gram, Anna Grinde, Shantel Loos, Kaitlyn Maidl, Annika Moen. Juniors —Ashley Adams, Jessie Aney, Gina Bierman, Makenzie Birkestrand, McKenna Bridges, Abby Cunningham, Amber Paske, Eden Simmons. Sophomores —Leah Batterson, Tori Gosse-Gram, Frankie Mickelson, Maddie O'Grady. Freshmen —Maddie Leqve, Kelsey Miller. Seventh-grader —Jenna Miller.

SCHEDULE

(Home games at Recreation Center unless noted.)

Nov. 14 — JM/LOURDES, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21 — MANKATO WEST, 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 — MAYO, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 — MANKATO EAST, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 — FARMINGTON, 7:30 p.m. (at Graham Arena)

Dec. 7 — ALBERT LEA, 1 p.m.

Dec. 12 — AUSTIN, 7:30 p.m. (at Graham Arena)

Dec. 14 — at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at Winona, 1 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — at Farmington tournament, TBD

Jan. 4 — at JM/Lourdes, 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Mankato West, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — DODGE COUNTY, 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at Mankato East, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 — at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 — WINONA, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at Austin, 1 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 — OWATONNA, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Section 1AA tournament starts, TBD

JOHN MARSHALL/LOURDES

Head coach:Bob Montrose, third season.

Assistant coaches:Allison Leaf, Scott Crowley, Todd Lecy and Mike Adamson.

Last season:18-9-0 overall, 14-4-0 in Big Nine. Lost to Lakeville North in 1AA quarterfinals.

Who's gone:Goalie Erin Meyers and forward Sam Macken.

Top returners:Kate Valentine (junior all-conference forward, 7-4—11), Laura Meillier (senior forward, 10-7—17), Renee Saltness (freshman forward, 8-7—15), Mallory Adamson (junior forward, 8-7—15), Mia Bruesewitz (senior goalie, 2.0 goals against, .920 saves percentage), Tori Thompson (junior defenseman, 10-8—18), Rebecca Freiburger (sophomore defenseman, 9-7—16) and Brooklyn Birdseye (freshman defenseman, 3-7—10).

Top newcomers:Melissa Zinser, Katie Montrose.

Team strengths:Defense, goaltending.

Team weaknesses:Lack of go-to players, finishers. Must capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Coach Montrose's thoughts:"We are very excited for the 2013-14 season as we have a solid lineup with strength in goal, on the blue line and up front. Although we didn't gain numbers in our lineup, we did gain a valuable year of experience and that should help some of our key players hold the puck more and make better decisions. We will see a big battle in goal with senior Mia Bruesewitz and incoming sophomore Melissa Zinser competing for playing time. Mia has proven to be a solid in goal and Melissa could become one of the best in the state in time. Coach Crowley works closely with our goalies and will have some tough playing time decisions to make. Our defensemen really are very solid and now with another season of experience they should be able to control games for us. Brooklyn Birdseye looks like she spent an entire offseason working on hockey skill development as her shot and skating speed has improved tremendously. Tori Thompson, Rebecca Freiburger and Emma Christensen are solid and newcomer Katie Montrose will see regular playing time. Kate Valentine should be a leader up front again as she has performed very well in practice and usually finds a way to finish all of her scoring chances. We hope to get consistent goal scoring production for her, Mallory Adamson, Melissa Carlson, Laura Meillier and Renee Saltness. There are several others competing for regular playing time which ramps up the compete level in practice. We have some tough games to start out the season, which should give our team a great chance to see where we are at and what we need to work on. Our girls are working hard and enjoying their time at the rink. If they can maintain a positive 'team first' approach and with a smile on their faces you could see the Rockets playing competitive hockey with the top teams and perhaps playing in contention for a Big Nine title at the end of the season."

ROSTER

Seniors — Marisa Lecy, Laura Meillier, Riley Dison, Lisa Bjork, Mia Brusewitz. Juniors —Melissa Carlson, Caitlin Steier, Natasha Olivares, Nicole Angst, Mallory Adamson, Gabby Hansen, Kate Valentine, Tori Thompson. Sophomores —Allison Dee, Rebecca Freiburger, Emma Christensen, Melissa Zinser. Freshmen —Renee Saltness, Brooklyn Birdseye, Sarah Monstrose. Eighth-graders —Sophia Hyke, Katie Montrose.

SCHEDULE

(Home games at Recreation Center unless noted.)

Nov. 14 — at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Mankato East, 2 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at Farmington, 7:15 p.m.

Nov. 21 — at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 — AUSTIN, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 — OWATONNA, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 2 — at Wayzata, 5 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 — ACHIEVER ACADEMY, 3 p.m.

Dec. 10 — DODGE COUNTY, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Mayo, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — ALBERT LEA, 1 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — at River Falls, Wis., 2 p.m.

Dec. 28 — at Holy Angels, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 — CENTURY, 6 p.m.

Jan. 9 — MANKATO EAST, 5:30 p.m. (at Graham Arena)

Jan. 11 — WINONA, 1 p.m. (at Graham Arena)

Jan. 14 — at Austin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 — FARIBAULT, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — MAYO, 1 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — MANKATO WEST, 1 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Section 1AA tournament starts, TBD

MAYO

Head coach:Jeff Bolin, second season.

Assistant coaches:Keegan Hakala, Brian Sawyer and Rebecca Graham.

Last season:6-20-0 overall, 6-12 in Big Nine. Lost to Winona in 1AA play-in game.

Who's gone:Stephanie Stettler, Emily Nelson, Ashley Weber, Allie Durigan, Hannah Poppen, Olivia Kemp and Alexa Robertson.

Top returners:Sara Brakke (defenseman, captain), Kali Aldrich (forward, alternate captain), Bethany Gibson (forward, alternate captain), Emilie Smolders (defenseman, alternate captain) and Meghan Trangsrud (forward, alternate captain).

Top newcomers:Several newcomers will contribute immediately both on offense and on the blue line.

Team strengths:Hard-working group, great attitude. Coachable group that will improve during season.

Team weaknesses:Depth, youth. Leaning on many newcomers.

Coach Bolin's thoughts:"All the girls are hard-working, fun and supportive of one another. They will be a great team to watch play."

ROSTER

Seniors — Rachel Schmitz, Sara Brakke, Kali Aldrich, Bethany Gibson, Emily Hindal, Emily Smolders, Meghan Trangsrud, Kristin Yaggy. Junior —Caroline Anglin. Sophomores —Becca Schmitz, Taylor Kazeck, Ashley Hammes, Karli Reinhart, Maddie Sawyer, Sydney Groteboer. Freshmen —Lexi Grethen, Brooke Haskins, Aryka Bennett. Eighth-graders —Paige Anglin, Eryn Fjelsted.

SCHEDULE

(Home games at Graham Arena unless noted.)

Nov. 14 — AUSTIN, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 — MANKATO WEST, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 — at St. Paul United, 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 — OWATONNA, 7:30 p.m. (at Recreation Center)

Nov. 23 — at Century, 3 p.m.

Nov. 26 — FARIBAULT, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Farmington, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 — MANKATO EAST, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 — JM/LOURDES, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 — DODGE COUNTY, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 — ALBERT LEA, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — at Farmington Invitational, TBD

Jan. 4 — at Austin, 5 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Mankato West, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 — ONALASKA, WIS., 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 — CENTURY, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 — at Faribault, 1 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 — at JM/Lourdes, 1 p.m.

Jan. 30 — WINONA, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Albert Lea, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Section 1AA tournament begins, TBD

DODGE COUNTY

Head coach: Jeremy Gunderson, seventh season.

Assistant coaches:Laura Vannelli, Joe Wieners and Chad Smallbrock.

Last season:21-6-1 overall. Lost to Lakeville North in 1AA finals.

Who's gone:Anna Hunter, Emily Rohlik and Lydia Wagner.

Top returners:Dana Rasmussen (forward, 40-27—67), Darby Dodds (forward, 31-33—64), Jacie Hoehn (forward, 10-16—26), Bella Wagner (forward, 10-3—13), Brede Postier (forward, 7-5—12), Molly Shelton (forward, 1-9—10), Eryn Larsen, Emily Gunderson (defenseman, 12-38—50), Katie Robinson (defenseman, 4-24—28), Hollywood Hermanson (defenseman, 0-5—5), Elly Strunk, Sam McElmury, Gabby Suhr (freshman goalie, 7-0, .886 saves percentage, 1.29 goals against) and Hannah Skoglund.

Top newcomers:Barret Boyer, Ally Kelly, Ally Gunderson, Rose Kraus, Amber Miller, Kate Yeigh and Sofia Wagner.

Team strengths:Experienced, scoring up and down lineup. Must replace goalie Anna Hunter.

Coach Gunderson's thoughts: "We are coming off of a school-best 21-6-1 record, including playoff wins over Rochester Century and Lakeville South before losing 3-2 to a solid Lakeville North team that went on to finish third at state. We return nine of our top 10 scorers from a season ago and 24 letter-winners. The team will be anchored in net by freshman Gabby Suhr, who was 7-0 last season while replacing injured Anna Hunter. This season the Wildcats will continue to play tough opponents like Benilde-St.Margaret's, Eden Prairie, Achiever Academy, Warroad, Buffalo and Orono, to go along with an already tough schedule of Big Nine teams. We will play in the Centennial Holiday Tournament after winning the top division of the Schwann's Cup last season, as well as over Thanksgiving break in the Prior Lake Tournament."

ROSTER

Seniors — Samantha McElmury, Darby Dodds, Emily Gunderson, Eryn Larsen. Juniors —Dana Rasmussen, Brede Postier, Brieanna Westrom, Brianna Knutson, Jacie Hoehn, Morgan Michaletz. Sophomores —Molly Shelton, Teigen Petersen, Hollywood Hermanson, Magdalyn Wick, Katie Robinson, Bella Wagner. Freshmen —Elly Strunk, Barret Boyer, Ally Kelley, Hannah Skoglund, Gabby Suhr. Eighth-graders —Hannah Mueller, Carson Borgstrom, Ally Gunderson, Kate Yeigh, Katrina Thoe, Amber Miller, Rose Kraus. Seventh-graders —Sofia Wagner, Olivia Smallbrock.

SCHEDULE

(Home games at Dodge County Ice Arena.)

Nov. 12 — WINONA, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 — TOTINO-GRACCE, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Benilde-St. Margaret's, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 — BLOOM. JEFFERSON, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29-30 — at Prior Lake Tournament, TBD

Dec. 3 — S. ST. PAUL, 7 p.m.

Dec. 6 — NEW ULM, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 — EDEN PRAIRIE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 — at JM/Lourdes, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — ACHIEVER ACADEMY, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 — WARROAD, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 — ORONO, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — at Centennial Holiday Invite, TBD

Jan. 3 — at St. Paul Academy, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 — N. ST. PAUL, 3 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at St. Peter, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Century, 3 p.m.

Jan. 18 — HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC, 3 p.m.

Jan. 25 — ACHIEVER ACADEMY, 5 p.m.

Feb. 1 — at Buffalo, 3 p.m.

Feb. 3 — Section 1AA tournament begins, TBD

RED WING

Head coach: Scott Haley, eighth season.

Assistant coaches:Dan Anderson, Tony Casci, Liz Bauer and Lisa Nibbe.

Last season:27-3 overall. Finished third in Class A last season, winning third-place game 3-2.

Who's gone: Paige Haley (playing for Gophers) and Madelyn Flack.

Top returners:Nicole Schammel (all-state forward, Minnesota State, Mankato commit, 74-52—126 last season), Emily Stegora (all-conference forward, Minnesota State, Mankato commit, 34-45—79, Reagan Haley (all-state forward, 33-60—93) and Ashley Corcoran (all-state goalie, 27 wins, .935 saves percentage, 1.95 goals against).

Top newcomers:Not provided.

Team strengths:Returning the top scoring line in the state from last season, and one of state's best goalies.

Team weaknesses:Numbers, only 16 players on roster.

Coach Haley's thoughts:"We return the top-scoring line in the state last season with a combined 298 points from the trio of Schammel, Stegora and Haley. That will help continue a strong run by the Wingers over the past four years. The return of all-state goalie Ashley Corcoran will help the team hold down opponents. We hope to repeat as Section 1A and Missota Conference champs. This will be a veteran group for Red Wing, a group that has made three consecutive trips to state. That experience and strong goaltending should lead to another enjoyable season."

ROSTER

Seniors — Nicole Schammel, Emily Stegora, Hailee Johnson. Juniors —Reagan Haley, Kayla Oberding, Katelyn Hadler, Ashley Corcoran. Sophomores —Kelsey Corcoran, Madelyn Hardyman, Caitie Turcotte, Carley Marty, Lexi Stewart. Freshmen —Nadine Marty, Jenna Gillund, Anna Vagasky. Eighth-grader —Taylor Heise.

SCHEDULE

(Home games at Prairie Island Ice Arena.)

Nov. 12 — at Chisago Lakes, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 — at St. Paul United

Nov. 19 — MAHTOMEDI, 7 p.m.

Nov. 22 — PRIOR LAKE, 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 — TOTINO-GRACE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Irondale, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 — at Shakopee, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 10 — NEW PRAGUE, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Chaska/Chanhassen, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at Blake, 6 p.m.

Dec. 17 — at Farmington, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 19 — at Orono, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 — BRECK, 3 p.m.

Dec. 26-28 — at All-Star Sports Holiday Classic, TBD

Jan. 3 — NORTHFIELD, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 — at Henry Sibley, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 — SHAKOPEE, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 — at New Prague, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 16 — CHASKA/CHANHASSEN, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 — FARMINGTON, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 — at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 — at Northfield, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 — TARTAN, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 — Section 1A tournament begins, TBD

AUSTIN

Head coach: Brett Vesel, first season.

Assistant coaches:Grace Heimsness and Kraig Vesel.

Last season:8-18 overall, 7-10 in Big Nine Conference. Lost to Northfield in first round of 1A playoffs.

Who's gone:Carley Grunewald, Kennedy Thompson, Karyn Potach, Leslie Fuerstenberg, Camilla Anderson and Kelsey Starman

Top returners:Justina Talamantes, Lea Semones, Carissa Johnson, Haley Tigner, Kenzie Trimble, Allison Hoban, Mara Overby, Chloe Summerfield and Madison Overby.

Top newcomer:Eighth-grader Myia Hoium.

Team strengths:Goaltending and overall work ethic.

Team weaknesses:Very young, still inexperienced as a whole.

Coach Vesel's thoughts:"I really like our team's work ethic and attitude. Our girls want to be good and are willing to work at it to get there. I'm impressed with both goalies so far. It will be interesting to see how much we can improve as the year goes on and as our girls adapt to what we are doing."

ROSTER

Seniors — Justina Talamantes, Lea Semones, Carissa Johnson. Juniors —Haley Tigner, Kenzie Trimble. Sophomores —Chloe Summerfield, Madison Overby, Allison Hoban, Mara Overby, Brandi Myers, Mikayla Shuster. Freshmen —Meghan Haldorson, Claire Olson, Samantha Grunewald. Eighth-graders —Myia Hoium, Isabelle Reuter, Talynn Miller.

SCHEDULE

(Home games at Riverside Arena.)

Nov. 12 — WASECA, 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 — at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 — at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 21 — FARIBAULT, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 — at JM/Lourdes, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29-30. — at Willmar Tournament, TBD

Dec. 7 — at Northfield, noon

Dec. 10 — FAIRMONT, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — MANKATO EAST, 1 p.m.