Auditions for individual hockey awards are in full force on ice sheets statewide.
Getting down to a short list of deserving seniors for the prestigious Ms. Hockey awards in a state rich with talent is tough. But enough season has transpired to warrant informed opinions, so here goes nothing.
Watch for 10 Ms. Hockey Award and Senior Goalie of the Year semifinalists to be named by Let's Play Hockey around mid-February, with five finalists in each category to follow soon after.
Mid-February is section tournament time. Meantime, here are lists to stoke fans' interest in January.
MS. HOCKEY FAVORITES
Ella Boerger, Andover
The Huskies' leader with 12 goals through 10 games. Second to teammate Isa Goettl — a premier playmaker and another Ms. Hockey-worthy forward — in points. The dynamic duo should have Andover in the hunt to repeat as Class 2A state champion.
Kate Johnson, Warroad
New teammate Rylee Bartz, a senior transfer from Fargo, N.D., leads the state with 33 goals and 55 points. But Johnson, an integral part of the Warriors' Class 1A state championship team last season, is right behind Bartz with 54 points. Warroad hasn't produced a Ms. Hockey winner since Karley Sylvester in 2011.
Stella Retrum, Maple Grove
Seven of her 19 goals counted as game-winners. She brings an infectious tenacity to the rink each day. Retrum played on Breck's Class 1A state champion team as an eighth-grader and has a big finish in mind for the Crimson this winter.
Grace Sadura, Minnetonka
Surrounded by talent, Sadura stands apart for her unique blend of skill and will. Her 22 points through 14 games rank second among the Skippers. Senior teammate Ava Lindsay has 16 goals and will be in the Ms. Hockey hunt as well.
Kamryn Van Batavia, Luverne
Her 24 goals through 12 games count as 39% of her team's scoring total. The beacon of hockey talent in southwestern Minnesota recently logged her 400th career point.
SENIOR GOALIE OF THE YEAR FAVORITES
Sedona Blair, Holy Family
Should the Fire unseat Minnetonka as section champs, Blair's fingerprints will be all over the victory. Boasts a .949 save percentage in 12 games.
Uma Corniea, Edina
Has there been a goalie this good for this long? Through 12 games, she was 7-3-1 and stopped 94% of shots she faced. Corniea has captured three state tournament championships, two with Breck in Class 1A and one with Edina in Class 2A.
Celia Dahl, Orono
Seven shutouts and 13 goals allowed in 14 games means Dahl is as tough as ever.
Anna Rader, Mankato East
Big reason the Cougars are eyeing another Class 1A state tournament run. Started this season 10-3 with a 1.24 goals-against average and saves 95% of shots faced.
Courtney Stagman, Andover
Has beaten Edina twice and Minnetonka once this season thus far.
