The dream teams’ season came to a crashing halt when they faced the Minnetonka Skippers two nights ago at Parade Ice Garden in Minneapolis. The Bison ended their season with a successful 20-7 record. The girls kept their heads held high because they had nothing to be ashamed of.
“As a first year varsity player, watching the older girls and being successful this season has set us up really well for next year,” said Sophomore Kirsten Olson. “The season ended sooner than we wanted but we gave it a good run that we’re proud of.”
Minnetonka was ranked #1 in the State and in the 6AA Section. The Skippers are the two-time defending state champions and stumped the Bison in sections the past two years as well. Tonka outshot the Bison 54-23. Unfortunately 5 goals leaked through, but Senior Goalie Lindsay Hartfiel had 49 saves against the Skippers.
“I’d rather have the other team shooting a lot, it keeps me focused,” said Hartfiel. “Like 15 less would’ve been nice, but oh well. We have nothing to look down on. We beat some of the best teams in the state and you can’t argue with that.”
The girls made major strides even improving from last years’ 14-10 record. This has been the most successful season in Bison Girls’ Hockey history. The Bison are graduating three collegiate athletes: Katie Rooney (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – D1), Emily Varner (UW-River Falls – D3), and Lindsey Hartfiel (St. Scholastica – D3)
“There was no drama, and it was the first year in a while we all really got along. There’s usually tension, but this year there was none of that. Just sitting in locker room for like a hour before practice every day brought us together. We would and eat and talk which made closer with age differences: we didn’t even have to do team bonding,” said Rooney. “A ton of younger girls got to compete at a varsity level, and now they know what it takes to be good. I think the success from this year will help them prepare for next year. I think the girls will keep going strong next year. I’m going to miss everyone, and I wish them the best of luck.”
The seniors’ success will hopefully follow them to college, and this successful seasons’ legacy shall never be forgotten.
