Though the new year has just begun, the girls’ hockey season is nearing its end. Jan. 23 was the last home game of the year for the StormHawks (7-14), taking on the Academy of Holy Angels (13-5).
Looking for better positioning in conference play, the StormHawks were tied for fourth in the Metro-West conference, just two points behind Benilde-St. Margaret’s in the standings with three regular season games left in the season. Holy Angels leads the conference and is ranked fourth in state in Class 1A.
Coach Brian Lawler summed up the contest.
“We knew we would be playing a very good team, but that does not deter this team,” he said. “We battle until the end and know we can skate with anyone.”
Holy Angels came out with a fast start scoring at 1:27 of the first period on an even-strength goal. Holy Angels scored again, but then StormHawks leading scorer Evie Lundeen scored on a power play for the StormHawks at 14:28 from Ericka Mindt.
The penalty whistle blew a bit in the second and third periods and each team used opportunities to impact the flow of the game. Holy Angels scored four times and the StormHawks once, with Calli Holmes getting an even-strength goal at 13:20 of the second period. The 6-2 score would hold until the end of the game.
StormHawks showed pose and discipline with crisp passing and effective work in the corners to remain in the game at all times. Shots on goal for the game were 39 for Holy Angles and 22 for the StormHawks. Kelsey Brastad was in net for the StormHawks and had another strong performance.
“This team has fight,” Coach Lawer stated after the game. “We’ve had three games this year where we were down by one and came back, three that we took to OT and three where we tied things up in the third. The team doesn’t give up, they hang in there until the final whistle. I’m proud of their play and we skated well with a good team.”
Thursday night was senior night for the StormHawks. Ten players were honored between the first and second periods for their careers with the team. Those who took to the ice with their parents included forwards Hanna Grimm, Makenna Hansen, Allison Diminnie and Caplyn Cusick. Defense people included (captain) Erika Mindt, Morgan Hanson, Libby Hegarty and Cassie Clay and forward/defense (captain) Quinlyn Borner, as well as goalie Kelsey Brastad.
The StormHawks play Saturday at Minneapolis and have road games at Benilde and New Prague before playing in sectionals.
