I would bet that every coach and every athlete has uttered the words “Nothing is easy” during their careers. A sure bet would be that Coach Shawn Lundgren and the North Shore Storm boys hockey team have uttered those words or something similar.
The Storm has only three seniors and that alone puts them at a disadvantage when compared to the rest of Section 7, a section traditionally loaded with seniors among the many powerful teams. The Storm is a team without great numbers, but the players they have are tough minded, determined skaters. Facing countless powerful teams with all that youth has given them a season where nothing indeed, has come easy.
The Storm coaches and players say they have never given up and have continued to work hard. Coach Lundgren is appreciative. “They are good kids and their skill level has grown each game. I am very proud of their determination and their willingness to trust the process.”
The Storm heads into the final week of the regular season facing a number of teams with whom they believe they can compete, including a Friday game with Proctor and a Tuesday game at International Falls. The Falls beat the Storm 4-2 earlier in the season.
They are on a streak with three wins in their last five games, including wins over Mora, Ashland and a Monday evening a 5-3 win over Ely-Northeast Range. One of the season highlights was an opening 1-1 overtime game with South St. Paul.
Playoffs begin February 18th, with the Storm facing one of the yet-to-be-determined top seeds in the section.
The three seniors for the Storm are Ryan Christiansen, Greysen Peterson, and Chase Mallory.
Ryan is a senior at Cook County High School. “The travel for me is a big commitment, but I have been doing it most of my life. I’m involved in other sports, but hockey is my favorite.” Ryan is unsure of his future plans as of now, but “would love to keep playing hockey if it is the cards.” His favorite memories have been practicing and the fun he has had traveling with his teams over the years.
Greysen Peterson is a senior at Two Harbors High School. The co-captain is headed to Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena to participate in the Electrical Lineman program. “We have such a young team and don’t always match up well against the older teams, but it has been fun to see us improve.” When asked his favorite memory, he has no single moment. “I enjoyed the entire experience. Playing varsity hockey has always been a dream of mine. I enjoyed the bus rides and playing in some arenas like the one in International Falls or Hibbing that have so much history.”
Chase Mallory began playing when he was four years old. As a youth player, he remembers his Mom being his coach in mini-mites and squirts. His favorite memories are being in the locker room with his teammates, joking around and just having fun. Chase has decided to enlist in the army reserves and longer term to become a state trooper.
His advice for his remaining teammates is whatever you are doing, especially hockey, you need to keep working hard. “We never give up on this team.”
As we know, not much in life is easy.
