The North Shore Storm girl’s hockey team has been playing some of its best hockey the past two weeks even though it may not show itself in wins and losses. Head Coach Zac Vieau says recent overtime losses to state-ranked Moose Lake in Minnesota and Superior in Wisconsin demonstrate growth in the Storm.
Ths Storm also had three convincing wins including a 7-1 win over Detroit Lakes, a 4-3 win over Northern Lakes, and a 6-0 win at International Falls. The streak ended with a 3-0 loss to Hayward to bring the Storm’s record to 5-11-1.
Complicating the stretch of games is the fact that the injury bug has hit hard. Coach Vieau said, “We have lost four of our core athletes over the last four games due to injuries. They are all going to take a while to heal up so we have had to draw on our JV. We have about nine eighth graders playing key roles for us. They are all good players, but it is asking a lot to ask them to compete with juniors and seniors. The highlight of this year has been the growth of these young players and the leadership and teaching by our older players. I am so impressed and appreciative of these older teammates.”
The schedule doesn’t get any easier. This week starts with the first of two games against a tough Rock Ridge (Virginia and Eveleth combined). The Storm will be heading to the Metro area for some challenging competition. The junior varsity plays Hastings in a game on outdoor ice, which promises to be a memorable experience. The varsity will face the combined Hopkins/St. Louis Park team and both teams will face Princeton/Big Lake/ Becker. The Storm also has Hibbing, Cloquet and Pine City remaining on their schedule.
Hayden Bright is an eighth-grade wing. Hayden also plays soccer and softball, but says she “really” enjoys hockey. “The girls have all been so nice. Everyone has been easy to get along with. The older girls have been very welcoming and I have learned a lot. The best part for me has been getting to know the girls and making friends.” Kinsey Komarek is a junior wing who was also selected to be an assistant captain. “I love my hockey team. They are a really fun group of girls. We haven’t had drama to speak of and if we have any problems we talk about it and resolve it. My goals for this team are for everyone to stay positive, work hard, and we will all have a good experience and our team will have a good outcome.”
