If time flies while we’re having fun, this season must have been one of the most fun ever for our local hockey teams. It’s unbelievable that we’ve reached the 2023-2024 season’s final stages. Throughout the player levels, there have been a lot of challenges with the warm weather and games played outdoors in the cold snaps. There has been much to celebrate, and many skills to build upon. Wins and losses might be easy to count, but the memories that are created throughout the season are unquantifiable.
The North Shore Storm boys varsity team went into the playoffs after two big wins against International Falls and St. Paul Johnson. The Class 1A Section 7 quarterfinal was held at the St. Luke’s Sports & Event Center in Proctor. The Rails and the Storm were pitted against each other for the second time in a month. In the first pairing, Proctor shut out the Storm with a 0-8 score. Proctor was able to pull off the win on February 20th, as well. The 5-1 loss for the Storm put an end to their season. The lone goal was scored by junior #11 Ethan Meeks, on a power play. #8 Cole Anderson, also a junior, and #29 senior Jake Stadler earned assists on the play.
The North Shore Storm girls varsity team played their final game against Proctor/Hermantown at the Hermantown Arena during the Class 1A Section 7 quarterfinal. The teams had not played previously in the season. The Storm was unable to advance as they fell 1-5 against their foe. The team’s #10 Hayden Bright, a freshman, scored a goal early in the first period. She had help from fellow freshmen #9 Reese Costley and #3 Raegan Hogenson. Goalie Harper Powell, a senior, saved an impressive 62 of 67 shots. Also impressive is that, as of the January 29th game against Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Harper had 2000 saves under her belt.
In smaller players, but certainly not smaller news, the Two Harbors Mite 1 teams ended their season on February 19th with a parents vs. kids game. “The parents tried really hard, but ultimately, the kids beat us!” reported Keira Wilson, Mite team lead. “It was a great way to end the season and is always sure to be entertaining and a lot of fun!”
Just a few days earlier, the Two Harbors Mite 2 maroon and gray teams played in the Great Lake Skate Jamboree in Two Harbors. “They all skated hard and had so much fun,” Angela Zwaschka wrote in.
Congrats to all the players, coaches, parents, and fans for a great season!
