When Rock Ridge shut out Hibbing/ Chisholm 4-0 in the Class 1A, Section 7 quarter-final, they set the stage for a neck-and-neck final showdown for the North Shore girls hockey team on Saturday, February 8th.
At the Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet, the Storm’s season came to an end in the Class 1A, Section 7 semifinal at the hands of the Wolverines, who had finished their regular season with a 10-11-4 record. This marked the third meeting between the teams this year, with the Storm suffering their first loss to Rock Ridge over the weekend.
The game was as close as it gets, with both teams battling fiercely for a chance to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Though Rock Ridge got on the board first, Berkely Hoff quickly tied it up with Hallie Komarek earning the assist. Hoff, a sophomore, scored 30 goals during the regular season, according to mngirlshockeyhub.com. Komarek, a freshman, played a key role in numerous plays throughout the season and shows great promise for a bright future in her hockey career.
A few minutes later, Hoff, along with junior Sarah Stauber, assisted Nina Thorson. Thorson, who celebrated her 100th career goal in a game against Rock Ridge earlier in the season, was a powerhouse for the Storm. According to the same website, she scored 36 goals during the regular season and added 30 assists. Stauber’s 35 assists throughout the season contributed to key plays that helped keep the Storm on top.
Thorson scored once more after Rock Ridge added two more goals, with Komarek providing the assist again. Stauber pushed the score ahead, with Hoff and Thorson capitalizing on a power play. When the second period ended, the game was tied 4-4.
Rock Ridge came out rearing to go in the 3rd, scoring two quick goals in the first few minutes of the period. Hoff responded with an even-strength goal, assisted by Thorson. The Wolverines answered less than a minute later, taking advantage after the Storm pulled their goalie in an attempt to tie the game. Thorson wasted no time scoring again, with Hoff and Reese Costley assisting. Costley, who’s had an outstanding season, contributed with goals and many plays for her team.
Time ran out for the Storm to tie it up, and the game ended with a 7-6 score.
The North Shore offense was on full display with 45 shots on goal, while their defense also held strong, allowing only half that number to be directed at senior goalie Alexa Harrison. Harrison stopped 15 of 21 shots and has been a key player for the Storm this season. According to the Hub, she finished the regular season with phenomenal a .895 save percentage.
The strong seniors this season have shared many tips and tricks with the younger players. With so much individual talent on the team and numerous accolades, too many to list here, the Storm’s future is undeniably bright.
Congratulations to the North Shore Storm girls hockey team on a spectacular season! It’s been a pleasure following your journey, and I can’t wait to do so again next season.
