Girls Hockey Stories - Place to Post & Thank You's

[joehockey]

t

So Joe, I know you have a kid on Hill. Where would this Kuhel girl fit in on your team? I mean there talkin Olympics and all! But yet she plays on a class A team? Im just wondering where she would fit in? Some of these teams on the East Side are pretty darn good! Especialy goaltending. I cant imagine her scoring 31 goals in 10 games playing class AA. I have a sophomore myself and I think she is pretty good but has alot to learn! Just wondering what the comparisen would be? I know she is good but acording to you and the paper she would be the best one on Hill? Im just trying to make a comparisen to goaltending and play in Class A as Opposed to AA? And hockeyrube you didn"t make any sense to your last statement on comparing her to Darwitz and Wendel. Remember A class A girl has won the scoring title the last 3 years and has gone on to play where?

Vulcan - You are right A and AA are not at the same level AA generally has more depth but there are some great Class A teams and some great players on Class A teams. I guess seeing her is the only way you will understand - she will stand out to you.

I think we would love her at Hill and yes I think she would be a a force! To me she would be a top player on Roseville, Hill Murray or Stillwater - all teams with a lot of top forwards - actually likely any top A or AA team would have her in an impact role.

From what I have seen I would compare her to Hannah Brandt at Hill Murray who is also a '93 also very gifted offensive player. Hannah had like 27 goals for HM last year as an 8th grader. Both are very talented players.

Here is the list of '93's from MN who where selected to NDP all great players. I tried to note A or AA school (may have some schools wrong) so there are a number of top '93 kids playing at Class A schools.

U15 to NDP
Shelby Amsley‐Benzie Warroad G - Class A
Caitlin Hewes Stillwater D - Class AA
Hannah Johnston Warroad D - Class A
Milica McMillen Breck HS D - Class A
Delaney Middlebrook St. Paul United D - Class A
Jesse Ryan Highland Central U14A (is she with St. Paul Blades?) D - Class AA
Emma Stauber Proctor D - Class AA
Hannah Brandt Hill‐Murray F - Class AA
Sara Carlson Hutchinson F - Class A
Leah Jensen East Grand Forks F - Class AA
Taylor Kuehl Mound Westonka F - Class A
Katy Kvasnicka Mankato W F - Class AA?
Layla Marvin Warroad F - Class A
Abby Ness Roseau F - Class A
Samantha Reber Edina F - Class AA
Karley Sylvester Warroad F Class A
Alyssa Veil Blake F Class A

Again this thread is a nice place to share stories and a way to learn about players we don't get to see play normally.....I am not sure any writer knows all the details of girls hockey but I am glad they are covering it.

[Vulcans84]

Joe thanks for your insight . I have seen Hannah play and she is very good! As is alot of Hill's team. Im glad they are doing arctles on girls hockey like that. Keep them comming! But comparing her to Darwitz and Wendel and saying that she is going to be an olympian at the age of 15 playing the compatition that she is playing seems alittle far fetched? Maybe she will?. But what is this doing for the childs ego? I think every kid's dream is to make the olypic team. To me the arctle seemed alittle strong! Sounds like a great kid with alot of talent and I guess Im going to have to go see her play in the Schwans Cup next week.

[joehockey]

Joe thanks for your insight . I have seen Hannah play and she is very good! As is alot of Hill's team. Im glad they are doing arctles on girls hockey like that. Keep them comming! But comparing her to Darwitz and Wendel and saying that she is going to be an olympian at the age of 15 playing the compatition that she is playing seems alittle far fetched? Maybe she will?. But what is this doing for the childs ego? I think every kid's dream is to make the olypic team. To me the arctle seemed alittle strong! Sounds like a great kid with alot of talent and I guess Im going to have to go see her play in the Schwans Cup next week.

You are probably right the odds are long but.....dreams, hard work, time and luck will tell all!

Something to consider for a player like this is she will play maybe 70 games ayear.....26-31 in HS, 40 with Icecats in Tournaments and the Two Nations League and maybe another 16 if she makes the Elite League next fall. In the games outside of HS she will be playing with other top players against top teams. As a MN NDP player she already is on the radar and being watched.

I think most D1 players out of MN are Class AA but there are many top players at Class A players that do find D1 opportunites because they are doing other hockey and training like CODP or OS outside of the HS season. Ms. Hockey Chute from Blake was a pretty good player and Harvard is a nice school to go to! Her teammate Anna McDonald who was on the U22 US team last spring and summer I think played at Class A Totino Grace. I think there was another Blake girl from MN also and they all played in the Frozen Four last Spring in Duluth. Gopher Laura May played at Mahtomedi......Dreams, hard work, time and luck.....will take you far in hockey and further in life!

Happy Holidays!

[hockeygroupie]

Joe thanks for your insight . I have seen Hannah play and she is very good! As is alot of Hill's team. Im glad they are doing arctles on girls hockey like that. Keep them comming! But comparing her to Darwitz and Wendel and saying that she is going to be an olympian at the age of 15 playing the compatition that she is playing seems alittle far fetched? Maybe she will?. But what is this doing for the childs ego? I think every kid's dream is to make the olypic team. To me the arctle seemed alittle strong! Sounds like a great kid with alot of talent and I guess Im going to have to go see her play in the Schwans Cup next week.

You are probably right the odds are long but.....dreams, hard work, time and luck will tell all!

Something to consider for a player like this is she will play maybe 70 games ayear.....26-31 in HS, 40 with Icecats in Tournaments and the Two Nations League and maybe another 16 if she makes the Elite League next fall. In the games outside of HS she will be playing with other top players against top teams. As a MN NDP player she already is on the radar and being watched.

I think most D1 players out of MN are Class AA but there are many top players at Class A players that do find D1 opportunites because they are doing other hockey and training like CODP or OS outside of the HS season. Ms. Hockey Chute from Blake was a pretty good player and Harvard is a nice school to go to! Her teammate Anna McDonald who was on the U22 US team last spring and summer I think played at Class A Totino Grace. I think there was another Blake girl from MN also and they all played in the Frozen Four last Spring in Duluth. Gopher Laura May played at Mahtomedi......Dreams, hard work, time and luck.....will take you far in hockey and further in life!

Happy Holidays!

There are many great athletes from A schools that will have the same opportunity as AA. I know many D1 college athletes and that came from A schools. If you are a good athelete, coachable, team player and academically sound you will have the opportunity to get looked at. College Coaches do not care if you are the leading scorer, they are more concerned with the all around player. We have been told that more assist leaders are looked at than the scorers. You can't score if someone doesn't set you up, and the team can't score if you don't pass the puck. Passing leaders are very high on the college scouts list.
We watched the game when Mound W. Tonka played a (South A) team and they shut Kuehl down to one goal. She seemed to try to do it all herself and does not look like a team player. they lost 2-1. Her father/coach kept her out on the ice the whole 3rd period, she was exhausted and did nothing. He was definitly out coached in that game. If he would have given her a break or 2 she maybe could of kept up. By no means am I saying she is a bad player or taking away her ability with is definitley Very good but she is not a Darwitz or Wendell by any means. There are many A players as good as her if not better. She looks good on her team because she is the team. Keep dreaming and having goals, they will force you to become a great player. But also keep yourself in perspective.
Also Merry xmas to all.

[hockeygroupie]

t

Vulcan - You are right A and AA are not at the same level AA generally has more depth but there are some great Class A teams and some great players on Class A teams. I guess seeing her is the only way you will understand - she will stand out to you.

I think we would love her at Hill and yes I think she would be a a force! To me she would be a top player on Roseville, Hill Murray or Stillwater - all teams with a lot of top forwards - actually likely any top A or AA team would have her in an impact role.

From what I have seen I would compare her to Hannah Brandt at Hill Murray who is also a '93 also very gifted offensive player. Hannah had like 27 goals for HM last year as an 8th grader. Both are very talented players.

Here is the list of '93's from MN who where selected to NDP all great players. I tried to note A or AA school (may have some schools wrong) so there are a number of top '93 kids playing at Class A schools.

U15 to NDP
Shelby Amsley‐Benzie Warroad G - Class A
Caitlin Hewes Stillwater D - Class AA
Hannah Johnston Warroad D - Class A
Milica McMillen Breck HS D - Class A
Delaney Middlebrook St. Paul United D - Class A
Jesse Ryan Highland Central U14A (is she with St. Paul Blades?) D - Class AA
Emma Stauber Proctor D - Class AA
Hannah Brandt Hill‐Murray F - Class AA
Sara Carlson Hutchinson F - Class A
Leah Jensen East Grand Forks F - Class AA
Taylor Kuehl Mound Westonka F - Class A
Katy Kvasnicka Mankato W F - Class AA?
Layla Marvin Warroad F - Class A
Abby Ness Roseau F - Class A
Samantha Reber Edina F - Class AA
Karley Sylvester Warroad F Class A
Alyssa Veil Blake F Class A

Again this thread is a nice place to share stories and a way to learn about players we don't get to see play normally.....I am not sure any writer knows all the details of girls hockey but I am glad they are covering it.

As you can see over half of the girls that went to NDP are at A schools.

[joehockey]

Schools and player are different year to year and class to class here is the NDP for 2008 at U17 and U16 - there were more AA.

U17s to NDP
Name School Position
Laura Bellamy Duluth - Class AA G
Jessica Christofferson Bemidji - AA F
Callie Dahl Stillwater - AA F
Gilbert Megan Andover - AA F
Janessa Haller Anoka - AA D
Sally Komarek Blake - A F
Kortum Rebecca Hopkins - AA F
Sadie Lundquist Cloquet - AA F
Erika Magnusson Fergus Falls - A D
Lisa Martinson St. Louis Park - AA D
Gina McDonald Irondale - AA F
Alexandra Nelson Andover - AA F
Kelsey Romatoski Academy of the Holy Angels - AA D
Erika Wheelhouse Crookston - A D
Lauren Zrust Blaine - AA F
Lindsey Domass Benilde-St. Margaret's - AA D

U16s to NDP
Last Name First Name School/Team Pos.
Alleva Rose Red Wing - A D
Illikainen Morgan Grand Rapids/Greenway - AA D
Ladner Catie Chaska - AA D
Marzario Madison Shattuck-St. Mary's D
Pendleton Maggie Hill Murray - AA D
Piche' Francie East Grand Forks - A D
Bona Rachael Coon Rapids - AA F
Buie Corinne Edina - AA F
Burns Jordyn Benilde-St. Margaret's - AA F
Colin Amanda Burnsville - AA F
Gallop Dana Grand Rapids/Greenway - AA F
Kelly Rachael Rosemount - AA F
Mason Kaitlin Eagan - AA F
Ramsey Rachel Minnetonka - AA F
Williams Danielle U19 Thoroughbreds F
Lorence Meghan Irondale - AA F
Laden Chelsea Lakeville South - AA G
Kristi King Stillwater AA F
Corinne Henning St. Paul - Culver Academy, IN F
Audrey Hanmer Forest Lake - AA D

[hockeygroupie]

Schools and player are different year to year and class to class here is the NDP for 2008 at U17 and U16 - there were more AA.

U17s to NDP
Name School Position
Laura Bellamy Duluth - Class AA G
Jessica Christofferson Bemidji - AA F
Callie Dahl Stillwater - AA F
Gilbert Megan Andover - AA F
Janessa Haller Anoka - AA D
Sally Komarek Blake - A F
Kortum Rebecca Hopkins - AA F
Sadie Lundquist Cloquet - AA F
Erika Magnusson Fergus Falls - A D
Lisa Martinson St. Louis Park - AA D
Gina McDonald Irondale - AA F
Alexandra Nelson Andover - AA F
Kelsey Romatoski Academy of the Holy Angels - AA D
Erika Wheelhouse Crookston - A D
Lauren Zrust Blaine - AA F
Lindsey Domass Benilde-St. Margaret's - AA D

U16s to NDP
Last Name First Name School/Team Pos.
Alleva Rose Red Wing - A D
Illikainen Morgan Grand Rapids/Greenway - AA D
Ladner Catie Chaska - AA D
Marzario Madison Shattuck-St. Mary's D
Pendleton Maggie Hill Murray - AA D
Piche' Francie East Grand Forks - A D
Bona Rachael Coon Rapids - AA F
Buie Corinne Edina - AA F
Burns Jordyn Benilde-St. Margaret's - AA F
Colin Amanda Burnsville - AA F
Gallop Dana Grand Rapids/Greenway - AA F
Kelly Rachael Rosemount - AA F
Mason Kaitlin Eagan - AA F
Ramsey Rachel Minnetonka - AA F
Williams Danielle U19 Thoroughbreds F
Lorence Meghan Irondale - AA F
Laden Chelsea Lakeville South - AA G
Kristi King Stillwater AA F
Corinne Henning St. Paul - Culver Academy, IN F
Audrey Hanmer Forest Lake - AA D

I think some of these girls actually left schools to go somewhere else. This is the age they usually transfer from public to private. Great group of girls and hope they all get to do as they wish in their hockey endeavors/academics.

[joehockey]

Schools and player are different year to year and class to class here is the NDP for 2008 at U17 and U16 - there were more AA.

U17s to NDP
Name School Position
Laura Bellamy Duluth - Class AA G
Jessica Christofferson Bemidji - AA F
Callie Dahl Stillwater - AA F
Gilbert Megan Andover - AA F
Janessa Haller Anoka - AA D
Sally Komarek Blake - A F
Kortum Rebecca Hopkins - AA F
Sadie Lundquist Cloquet - AA F
Erika Magnusson Fergus Falls - A D
Lisa Martinson St. Louis Park - AA D
Gina McDonald Irondale - AA F
Alexandra Nelson Andover - AA F
Kelsey Romatoski Academy of the Holy Angels - AA D
Erika Wheelhouse Crookston - A D
Lauren Zrust Blaine - AA F
Lindsey Domass Benilde-St. Margaret's - AA D

U16s to NDP
Last Name First Name School/Team Pos.
Alleva Rose Red Wing - A D
Illikainen Morgan Grand Rapids/Greenway - AA D
Ladner Catie Chaska - AA D
Marzario Madison Shattuck-St. Mary's D
Pendleton Maggie Hill Murray - AA D
Piche' Francie East Grand Forks - A D
Bona Rachael Coon Rapids - AA F
Buie Corinne Edina - AA F
Burns Jordyn Benilde-St. Margaret's - AA F
Colin Amanda Burnsville - AA F
Gallop Dana Grand Rapids/Greenway - AA F
Kelly Rachael Rosemount - AA F
Mason Kaitlin Eagan - AA F
Ramsey Rachel Minnetonka - AA F
Williams Danielle U19 Thoroughbreds F
Lorence Meghan Irondale - AA F
Laden Chelsea Lakeville South - AA G
Kristi King Stillwater AA F
Corinne Henning St. Paul - Culver Academy, IN F
Audrey Hanmer Forest Lake - AA D

I think some of these girls actually left schools to go somewhere else. This is the age they usually transfer from public to private. Great group of girls and hope they all get to do as they wish in their hockey endeavors/academics.

Yes some of these girls have played at different schools, but I am not aware of any on this list who started at an A school and moved to a AA....

[Vulcans84]

t As you can see over half of the girls that went to NDP are at A schools.




I dont consider Warroad and Rosau and Privates, A schools. Blake and Breck should be playing AA along with Warroad and Rosau. You could debate on this all day but Id rather not. Just my opinion! Alot of very talented girls on this list.

[joehockey]

http://www.stillwatergazette.com/articl ... rts310.txt

Girls hockey: Roseville trips up Ponies in SEC showdown


By STUART GROSKREUTZ
gztsport@acnpapers.com
(Last modified: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 1:08 PM CST)

When it comes to rivalries, the Stillwater and Roseville girls' hockey teams rarely fail to deliver in this competitive series between perennial state powers.

It was Roseville's turn on Tuesday as Jill Stecklein notched the game-winner in overtime as the Raiders pulled out a 3-2 Suburban East Conference victory at the St. Croix Valley Rec Center.

The teams are 6-6-1 in the series over the past six seasons. The Raiders have won the last three games, but Stillwater won three in a row prior to that. Seven of those 13 games have been decided by one goal or less and none of the winning margins in the other six have been by more than two goals.

"It's going to be a one-goal game (with Roseville)," Ponies coach Tony Scheid said. "It's going to be a tight game."

The Ponies (7-1 SEC, 12-3), third in the most recent state rankings, will have another shot at second-ranked Roseville (7-0-1, 15-1-1) when the teams square off in the regular season finale on Feb. 6. Both teams are also expected to challenge for the Section 4AA championship.

"We still control our own destiny (in the SEC) because they have a tie with Woodbury," Scheid said. "If we win out we can win the conference."

The Raiders jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Ahna Logan's first-period goal, but Stillwater answered with two late goals to grab a 2-1 lead.

Callie Dahl evened the score at 1-all with a power play goal at 12:04 of the opening period. The extra skater was the result of Lauren Charpentier getting taken down while charging towards the net. Dahl capitalized after her shot from inside the blue line found its way into the net.

Stillwater than grabbed a 2-1 lead in the final minute of the period as Kristina King ripped a shot into the upper corner. Dahl set up the scoring opportunity by racing down the left side with the puck and drawing two defenders as she dropped the puck for King just inside the blue line.

The Ponies didn't lose their focus after falling behind.

"We usually know we're going to give up a couple of goals so we don't panic," Scheid said. "You want to jump out to a lead but it doesn't always happen that way and the kids did a good job. They had good composure and didn't panic. They always come back."

The Raiders didn't go away in the second period and Jackie Brigl eventually tied the game at 2-all with a power play goal at 14:00. Dani Kerr flipped a puck to Stecklein in front of the net and her shot trickled to the backside where Brigl was waiting to slap it into the net.


Roseville outshot the Ponies 19-10 in the second period and 44-28 in the game.

"I thought in the third period and the overtime we actually had the better of the play," Scheid said. "I thought they did a better job of getting pucks to the net. I don't know that they exactly outplayed us, but I thought they did a better job of throwing the puck to the net."

Stecklein provided the difference with less than two minutes remaining in the extra period as her shot from near the blue line trickled through traffic and slid past goaltender Marah Sobczak and across the line to set off a wild celebration for the Raiders.

"It's a heart-breaker," Ponies coach Tony Scheid said. "We're at home and we got seniors played Roseville for the last time at home. We just got a tough break there. I think Dahl got a piece of it when she tried to block it and it hit something in front of the net. I think Marah got a piece of it, too, and it just trickled over the line.

"I just think it was a typical, hard-fought battle between Roseville and Stillwater. They're our biggest rival and we both came to play and it was just an excellent hockey game. I thought our kids played really well and we just needed to get a break and we didn't get it tonight."

Sobczak finished with 41 saves for the Ponies, who had their 12-game winning streak snapped by Edina in the championship game of a holiday tournament on Saturday.

"Our players did well in a big-game situation and it was a great experience for our team," Scheid said. "We have some young defensemen that had to carry a big load in a big game the first time and they did an excellent job. Sobczak was excellent in the net. She gave us a chance to win it - she always does."

Tuesday's loss was the second in a row for Stillwater. The Ponies have played many of the top teams in the state already this season and Roseville - which joins the Ponies and Pioneers in Section 4AA - is right up there, according to Scheid.

"They're as tough as any team we've played," the coach said. "There's a lot of top teams out there and you've got to come to play every night. They're in our section and we've got a lot of tough teams in our section."

Roseville 1 1 0 1 - 3

Stillwater 2 0 0 0 - 2

First period - 1. Ros, Ahna Logan (Bethany Brausen) 6:55; 1. St, Callie Dahl (Kristina King) pp, 12:04; 2. St, King (Dahl, Lauren Charpentier) 16:35.

Second period - 2. Ros, Jackie Brigl (Jill Stecklein, Dani Kerr) pp, 14:00.

Third period - No scoring.

Overtime - 3. Ros, Stecklein (Logan) 6:12.

Penalties - Ros, 1-2:00; St, 2-4:00.

Saves - Ros (Erika Allen) 5-8-8-2-23; St (Marah Sobczak) 10-17-8-6-41.

Tony Scheid:

It's a heart breaker, we're at home and we got seniors playing Roseville for the last time at home. We just want to win the game and just got a tough break there. We thought we put a lot of pressure on in the third period and the overtime and we had our chances we just couldn't get any breaks.

I think Dahl got a piece of it when she tried to block it and it hit something in front of the net, I think Marah got a piece of it too and it just trickled over the line. I just think it was a typical hard fought battle between Roseville and Stillwater, They’re our biggest rival and we both came to play and it was just an excellent hockey game, up and down. I thought our kids played really well and we just needed to get a break and we didn't get it tonight, but it's early.

They're as tough as any team we've played, there’s a lot of top teams out there and you've got to come play every night. There in our section and we've got a lot of tough teams in our sections, IT's going to be tough to get through our section semi this year.

We usually know we're going to give up a couple of goals so we don't panic. You want to jump out to a lead but it doesn't always happen that way and the kids did a good job, they had good composure, they didn't panic. They always come back.

I thought in the third period and the overtime we actually had the better of the play. I thought they did a better job of getting pucks to the net, I don't know that they exactly outplayed us. I thought they did a better job of throwing the puck to the net.

Absolutely no concerns whatsoever, we've got an excellent team here. The Edina tournament we had all the top teams in AA there, We’re coming through a war in the Edina tournament and they’re coming through the Kapiosia with five A teams.

No, it’s going to be a one-goal, game, it's going to be a tight game. We're proud of our kids, they worked hard. We've got a lot of of improving to do, but we'll do it.

We still control our own destiny because they have a tie with Woodbury. So we're in control right now, we got to win out. IF we win out we can win the conference. Our players did well in a big game situation and it was great experience for our team. WE have some young defensemen that had to carry a big load in a big game the first time and they did an excellent job. Sobczak was excellent in the net, she gave us a chance to win it, she always does, and she was stellar down there. I thought Dahl had a lot o jump tonight, Dahl and Charpentier and Cartony and Salmen, Eder-Zdechlik were all really good, they had a lot of chances to win that game.

[MNHockeyFan]

Star Tribune 1/13/09

Athletes of the Week - KAILEY GANSEN, Shakopee hockey

""I feel like when I'm in my zone, in my groove, I can't hear anything," she said. "It's just me, the puck and the person shooting. It's kind of weird."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... LanchO7DiU

[MNHockeyFan]

Hopkins' Becky Kortum: Work in Progress

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune
Last update: January 20, 2009 - 12:08 AM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... iUiacyKUUr

[MNHockeyFan]

Pioneer Press High School Athletes of the Week
Updated: 01/20/2009 10:41:25 AM CST

BREANNA HERZOG
School: Visitation
Year: Junior
Sport: Girls hockey
The forward recorded eight points in three games in helping Visitation/St. Paul Academy to a 2-0-1 record. Had two goals and three assists in United's 6-4 victory over the St. Paul Blades. Set up two goals in a 2-2 tie with the Minneapolis Novas and scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over the Novas on Saturday in the Outdoor Hockey Classic in Minneapolis.

Star Tribune Athletes of the Week
Last update: January 20, 2009 - 12:17 PM

BREANNA HERZOG
Visitation/SPA, hockey
The junior forward had two goals and three assists in a 6-4 victory over the St. Paul Blades, set up both goals in a 2-2 tie with the Minneapolis Novas and scored the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over the Novas in the Outdoor Hockey Classic.

TIANA PRESS
Benilde-St. Margaret's, hockey
The sophomore goalie is on a streak of three consecutive shutouts. She beat Totino-Grace 3-0 on Jan. 10 and last week blanked high-scoring Irondale 2-0 and Spring Lake Park 6-0.

[joehockey]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... LanchO7DiU

This is a good article on Concussions. Two years ago Hill Murray started doing the ImPACT Test before the season due to some bad concussion issues in football - if a player has an injury you have a baseline to see when they are good to go back on the ice. It is a quick test for players to take at the very beginning of the season and it can be given off a lap top at the arena. Check with your school if they have adopted or looked at this - it could prevent some very long term issues. Hill Murray has had three players go down with concussions this year despite going out and getting what were believed to be the best helmets to prevent head injuries so this is a complicated issue. The other two injuries were caught right away and the players were off the ice until the ImPACT test was passed.

Concussions in girls' hockey worry Minnesota coaches

As games get faster and players stronger, brain injuries occur in a non-checking sport.

By DAVID La VAQUE, Star Tribune

Last update: January 27, 2009 - 4:11 AM


Hill-Murray's Marissa Brandt

David Brewster, Star Tribune


Video: Reporter's Notebook: Concussions


The lingering effects of her injuries have prevented Brandt, a sophomore forward, from playing since November. Recent tests indicate she might not play again this season.

"It is super-frustrating," she said. "I get mad sometimes because I want to be out there."

Equally maddening for coaches is why concussions -- defined as mild traumatic brain injuries within the skull -- are occurring in a sport in which checking is prohibited.

The HealthEast Concussion Clinic at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul is in its second year of administering the computer-based ImPACT Baseline and Post-Concussion Testing Program. More than 2,000 athletes in six metro-area high schools have taken an initial baseline test, which evaluates and documents memory, brain-processing speed and reaction time.

If an athlete is believed to have suffered a concussion during competition, they take the ImPACT test again. According to collected data, five out of 126 girls' hockey players have been re-tested at their school.

While that data is relatively new and limited in scope, the figure equates to roughly one in every 25 players -- almost one per full varsity roster. In addition, Mary Griffith, Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, said six girls' hockey players have been seen at Bethesda in the past year for post-concussion syndrome.

Hockey is unique among dual-gender prep sports because the girls' sport removes a key element of its male counterpart: checking. But high school coaches Tony Scheid (Stillwater), Vic Brodt (Roseville), Laura Slominski (Edina) and Bill Schafhauser (Hill-Murray) agree: The game has become faster and more physical. And players not accustomed to or prepared for contact are at risk for injury.

Brandt has been sidelined in each of the past two seasons with concussion-related issues. Stillwater's Lauren Charpentier and Kristina King dealt with concussions in the past year.

"People are still a bit naïve," said Natalie Darwitz, the former Eagan and Gophers star and current U.S. National Team member. "The higher the level, the more physical it gets. Players have to have the mentality that they need to be strong on their skates in order to stay safe."

Coaches said even some of the more skilled players lack the balance and control necessary to prevent them from falling when they find themselves in tight quarters.

"I guess I'm doing something wrong because I'm not always ready," said Brandt, whose younger sister, Hannah, is one of the Pioneers' top scoring threats. "Hannah tells me, 'I get hit all the time. You've got to put your hands up.'"

A hit from behind drove Brandt head first into the boards against White Bear Lake on Nov. 15 and left her feeling discombobulated. But she told her parents she was OK and skated the next game against Stillwater three days later. She lost her balance during the game and hit the back of her helmet on the ice.

She attended school the next day and fell asleep at the lunch table. Doctors believe Brandt sustained a concussion against White Bear Lake and suffered a second concussion against Stillwater without having fully recovered from the first.

"In retrospect, we all feel bad for not investigating things further," said Greg Brandt, Marissa's father. "Especially after last year."

Marissa Brandt suffered her first career concussion last season against Simley on a check from behind near the boards. She returned to hockey two weeks later.

Bethesda's ImPACT test is designed to gauge the severity of the concussion and monitor progress toward recovery by comparing results to the baseline test.

Hill-Murray agreed to partner as a pilot school for the testing program, along with Providence Academy, Spring Lake Park, Totino-Grace and Woodbury. Park of Cottage Grove pays to offer the test to its athletes. Schools can test athletes in basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and wrestling.

Brandt took the test again last week, and the results were lower than desired. Her hope all along was to come back Thursday against Edina. Instead, she is likely out for the rest of this season.

She has skated in practice since Jan. 3, sitting out the drills considered a potential risk. And she has returned to school, though even now she struggles with concentration and reading retention. Her grades have been affected.

"Sometimes after class I don't know what I learned," she said.

She still hopes to play hockey again, this season or next, but admits she has concerns.

"I'm scared to come back, get hit again and be out," Brandt said. "Watching it now kind of freaks me out."

[MNHockeyFan]

A couple of nice girls hockey articles in today's Star Tribune:

West spotlight: Maple Grove gets a blast from the past
Former Maple Grove standout Noelle Sutton finds herself in the middle of something special as coach of the Crimson.
By BRIAN STENSAAS, Star Tribune
Last update: January 27, 2009 - 5:35 PM
http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... c:_Yyc:aUU

Burnsville girls' hockey turns it around
The Blaze has won eight in a row following a 1-5 start.
By RON HAGGSTROM, Star Tribune
Last update: January 27, 2009 - 5:34 PM
http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... iUiacyKUUr

[MNHockeyFan]

Also:

West notes: Stinginess on D makes Blake No. 1
By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune
Last update: January 27, 2009 - 5:35 PM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... iUiacyKUUr

[Gopherhockey3]

Goal-oriented Kuehl impresses
By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune
Last update: December 19, 2008 - 8:43 AM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... LanchO7DiU

Does someone want to give me some insight on this girl? I live on the East side and just started following girls hockey 3 years ago because of my daughter. After reading this arctile and looking at the Mound Scheadule they dont play the quality of teams (not even close) Im sure she is a good player but to compare her to Darwitz and wendel?? Come on , there are several good players out there playing against tougher compatition. I think you could compare the Lamouroux's to Darwitz and Wendel but?? Just looking for alittle feed back.

Taylor Kuehl is amazing no matter what team she plays, she can be better than Wendel

[northshore guy]

Goal-oriented Kuehl impresses
By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune
Last update: December 19, 2008 - 8:43 AM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps ... LanchO7DiU

Does someone want to give me some insight on this girl? I live on the East side and just started following girls hockey 3 years ago because of my daughter. After reading this arctile and looking at the Mound Scheadule they dont play the quality of teams (not even close) Im sure she is a good player but to compare her to Darwitz and wendel?? Come on , there are several good players out there playing against tougher compatition. I think you could compare the Lamouroux's to Darwitz and Wendel but?? Just looking for alittle feed back.

Taylor Kuehl is amazing no matter what team she plays, she can be better than Wendel

NO WAY CAN SHE BE BETTER THAN WENDELL!!!!! Taylor is very good, don't get me wrong.. she has great hands and a good shot but she is NOT I repeat NOT Wendell.

[Knight7]

Gopherhockey3,

How soon we forget how good Krissy was. Her numbers may never be beat, playing in a conference with Blaine, Anoka and Elk River all rated teams. Her team played the toughest non-conference schedule possible as everyone wanted a shot at her and Park Center. The year they won the Championship they played Anoka for the title. Anoka was 3rd in the conference behind Blaine and PC.
She missed 3 games each year to play Internationally so her numbers per game are even better playing in 25 then 26 games ( not 28 and 29 the rest of the team played) the 2 years. Her assists those 2 years were 40 (99) and 50 (00). She made her teammates better players as 4 were All-State with her.
In the 2000 tournament she scored 12 gaols and had 6 assists ( 4g, 2a against Bloomington Jefferson then the #2 team in State). She played on a leg that 2 doctors told her not to play on, the third taped her up.
She was the BEST competitor I ever saw. At 5' 7" and about 160lbs. she was a beast, No one player could take the puck from her. Her last goal in HS hockey was during a 5 on 3 where she got the puck in the defensive corner beat 3 players in the first 15 feet then raced straight up the middle of the ice beating both defenders by the blue line. She scored with 3 players trying to drag her down from behind.
When Taylor does that against a top team email me.

Did I mention she played DEFENSE all season?

I know there are many talented players out there today and teams are deeper. Darwitz and Wendell were both in another class by themselves.

[hockeyheaven]

Taylor is one of the top 93’s and very good player, and is worthy of any recognition she receives. However, it’s not fair to her or Wendel to make any such comparisons.

After following the girls program for five plus years it is very clear that the stats can be somewhat misleading. You have to take them for what they are worth. Staff positions at the Metro news papers are extremely tight, so it is understandable that the efforts needed for a more complete account is just not going to be there. For them to assess the current climate they have to rely on what is easily available them. Look at the Pioneer Press top ten…enough said. The sad thing is All State recognition is then handled with the same degree of ignorance. Nevertheless, regardless of the practice used or the lack of attention given, all of the players who are mentioned and for any of the honors bestowed are most likely worthy of the distinction

[Knight7]

Taylor is one of the top 93’s and very good player, and is worthy of any recognition she receives. However, it’s not fair to her or Wendel to make any such comparisons.

After following the girls program for five plus years it is very clear that the stats can be somewhat misleading. You have to take them for what they are worth. Staff positions at the Metro news papers are extremely tight, so it is understandable that the efforts needed for a more complete account is just not going to be there. For them to assess the current climate they have to rely on what is easily available them. Look at the Pioneer Press top ten…enough said. The sad thing is All State recognition is then handled with the same degree of ignorance. Nevertheless, regardless of the practice used or the lack of attention given, all of the players who are mentioned and for any of the honors bestowed are most likely worthy of the distinction

[Knight7]

Hockeyheaven,

I agree with your post. I am just tired of all the people that try to compare those to athletes (Darwitz and Wendell) to the next best thing.
Let Taylor be the best player she can be. That goes for the rest of the players people try to compare to them. I am not knocking her or any other athlete out there. It really isn't fair to them and puts to much pressure on them to be someone they are not.
Let the kids have fun and let the numbers speak for themselves.

[hockeya1a]

Taylor is one of the top 93’s and very good player, and is worthy of any recognition she receives. However, it’s not fair to her or Wendel to make any such comparisons.

After following the girls program for five plus years it is very clear that the stats can be somewhat misleading. You have to take them for what they are worth. Staff positions at the Metro news papers are extremely tight, so it is understandable that the efforts needed for a more complete account is just not going to be there. For them to assess the current climate they have to rely on what is easily available them. Look at the Pioneer Press top ten…enough said. The sad thing is All State recognition is then handled with the same degree of ignorance. Nevertheless, regardless of the practice used or the lack of attention given, all of the players who are mentioned and for any of the honors bestowed are most likely worthy of the distinction

For what its worth Taylor is a good pretty good player more of a stick handler = to Wendel? No! silly to compare anyone to Wendell or Darwitz.

I can only see where she has scored 7 goals against a top 20 A or top 20 AA team this year combined 4vs AA 3 vs A Opponents.
But her SOS leaves a little to be desired but that is not her fault, still good player she is young and gets lots of ice time hopefully her body does not break down.

[hockeyrube7]

She made her teammates better players as 4 were All-State with her.

This may be the most important phraze in this thread! She may learn this in time, but have seen her play several games over the past few years, and don't see this unmeassurably mark. Yet she may be the most skilled player in her class.

She is only in 10th grade, so lets take it easy on the comparisons to some of the top D1/olympic players to this point in time. These are not good in either way

[MNHockeyFan]

My 2 cents: I agree that it unfair and even unrealistic to compare Kuehl with Wendell and Darwitz, who most would agree are the two best female players to ever come out of Minnesota. That said, remember that when they were in high school the level of play was very weak compared to what we have today. It was much easier for a single player to dominate, even at the AA level. If you've been around long enough and saw any of the games back then, the majority of the players these two went up against were not good skaters or very skilled with the puck, and teams just didn't have very good depth. To me, this makes it all the more remarkable that Wendell and Darwitz, already as outstanding as they were, were able to continue to develop their skills and all-around game, eventually becoming two of the best to ever play the game all the way to the international level. I'm convinced that if they had been playing in an environment like today's, say with a really tough schedule like Edina's this year, and faced teams where most all of their opponents had strong lineups top to bottom, it would have jump-started their development even sooner. BUT - if this had been the case - they most certainly wouldn't have been able to put up the incredible numbers that they were able to in high school, because every time they hit the ice they would have been up against players that could skate and defend much better than what they faced back in their high school days.

Taylor Kuehl is obviously a very skilled scorer, but in some respects has a similar situation to what Wendell and Darwitz had in their high school days. To put it bluntly, many of the teams Mound-Westonka has played are not very good. I wish her the all the success in all the world, but it's very difficult to judge how she would do even now if she was playing a top AA schedule, much less predict how she will continue to develop beyond high school.