The North Shore Storm Girl’s Hockey team dropped their first playoff game to number-one seed Duluth Marshall, but nonetheless had a great and successful season. According to head coach Zac Vieau, “It was a great season and the most fun I have had since being head coach. We had no issues, no drama, and the kids were upbeat and positive the entire season. Our leadership, captains, as well as other upperclassmen, were great leaders and resolved anything before it became a problem. I appreciate them so much.”
The Storm had five overtime games this season. Unfortunately, they only were able to win one of them. Next year, the Storm will return much of their team. Vieau said, “Three of our top five scorers were in the eighth grade, so that is a lot of firepower returning. We have a lot of talent coming back. Goalie Harper Powell will be a senior and she is a top-flight goalie. Rarely was her save percentage lower than 90% and she really grew during the season.”
The Storm finished their season 7-17-1.
Jenna Marxhausen, Hope Ernest and Libby Althaus were the lone seniors this season. They are quality young ladies and will leave big holes to fill. Libby said, “My favorite memory is all the minutes I sat in the penalty box with Liv Hoff. It always makes me smile. ‘Memorable’ is the word I would use to describe my hockey career.“
Libby’s advice for her remaining teammates: “Always listen to Coach Steve. He is always right. Secondly, work hard in practice and it will pay off.”
Her career goal is to become a pediatric nurse. She will begin her education at either Lake Superior College or Northwoods Technical College in Superior.
Hope Ernest battled injury much of this season and is working on getting healthy prior to softball season. The word she would use to describe her hockey career is ‘entertaining’.
“I had a lot of fun.” Hope’s advice to her teammates: “Gain confidence early in your career. Trust yourselves and your skills.”
Hope is planning a career in early childhood education with an eye on being a kindergarten through third-grade teacher. Currently, she plans on attending the University of Minnesota-Moorhead.
